Hatton Wants To Cause Khan-Age

Matthew Hatton believes he is bang on course to face Amir Khan in a blockbuster Battle of Britain.

IBF and WBA light-welterweight champion Khan wants to launch his welterweight career next year and Hatton is a possible opponent.

‘Magic’ Matthew challenges unbeaten Belarussian Andrei Abramenka for the vacant IBF intercontinental welterweight championship at Blackpool’s Tower Circus on Friday night (Aug 19).

It is the Manchester man’s first fight since going down on points to Mexican sensation Saul Alvarez in a WBC light-middleweight title bout in March.

Hatton who has tasted defeat five times in 48 fights said: “I would be absolutely up for the Khan fight, although I don’t look past any opponent.

“I am a firm believer in looking at the next fight and use big fights as the motivation to get the job done.

“I am not afraid to fight the best. I went over to Los Angles and fought Saul Alvarez so if an opportunity arises to take on a great fighter like Amir I would jump at the chance.

“You have to aim for these big fights and I am one of the best welterweights out there right now.”

And Hatton, 30 revealed he could even be defending a world title against his Bolton rival.

He added: “Hatton Promotions are confident they will get me a world title opportunity by the end of the year.

“I would love a crack at WBA title holder Vyacheslav Senchenko or interim champion Ismael El Massoudi.

“Amir says he is moving up to welterweight and obviously if I can get hold of a world title it would be a natural – a big fight in this country.”

On the Blackpool card local Central Area cruiserweight champion Matty Askin meets tough Argentinian Juan Manuel Garay.
Askin’s occasional sparring partner, Rik Turba is up against Dutchman Mitchell Balker over eight rounds

Other prospects on the bill include welterweight hopeful Adam Little who tackles Liam Griffiths and middleweight Tom Scott whose debut opponent is Bobby Wood.

In a six round bantamweight attraction Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Zhakyanov faces Anwar Alfadi.

The show promoted by Robert Waterman will be televised live by Eurosport and ticket are available prices £35, £55 and £75 VIP from 01925 755222 and www.ticketline.co.uk