Hatton handed Judah chance

Manchester welterweight to fight on Mayweather Jnr undercard

Last updated: 23rd July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hatton handed Judah chance

Hatton: Judah challenge

I might have to go up one, maybe two levels to compete with him, but I feel I can.

Matthew Hatton
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Matthew Hatton will fight former world champion Zab Judah on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather Jnr's comeback in Las Vegas on September 19.

Hatton's proposed IBO welterweight title challenge against Lovemore N'Dou fell through after terms could not be agreed.

Instead, the 28-year-old will travel to the MGM Grand to face experienced American Judah on the same bill as Mayweather Jnr's return to action against Juan Manuel Marquez.

Judah, 31, has held versions of the world title at both light-welterweight and welterweight and made his name with some memorable battles against the likes of Kostya Tszyu, Cory Spinks, Mayweather Jnr and Miguel Cotto - although he has lost four of his last eight bouts.

Massive

"It is a massive fight for me," Hatton told The Manchester Evening News.

"I'm disappointed the IBO title shot has fallen through, but this is an even bigger fight.

"Judah is one of the best fighters of the modern generation. It is a massive step up in class for me, but I have improved so much.

"I might have to go up one, maybe two levels to compete with him, but I feel I can."