Magical night for Hattons

Hatton: Out to impress

Forget stepping out of Ricky's shadow. This is a chance for me to prove to myself how good I am and what I'm capable of doing

Matthew Hatton
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Matthew Hatton insists he's not interested in any talk about stepping out of brother Ricky's shadow when he takes on Lovemore NDou on Friday.

The Mancunian bids to win the IBO welterweight title in front of the Sky cameras in the biggest fight of his career so far.

Having fought on the undercard for much of his career while his older sibling topped the bill, Hatton Jnr admits he is eager to prove himself as a headline act.

Ndou should provide a stern test of the 28-year-old's skills, though, having been in with the likes of Paul Malignaggi (twice), Kermit Cintron and Miguel Angel Cotto.

Chance

"Ricky is such a fantastic fighter and I've always been very proud of him," Matthew told Sky Sports News.

"The only time I've really got down in the past is when I don't perform to the best of my ability. I always aim to perform to my best and it's only lately that I've started to do that.

"Now people are saying that this is a chance to make a name for myself, to step out of my brother's shadow.

"Forget stepping out of Ricky's shadow. This is a chance for me to prove to myself how good I am and what I'm capable of doing."

Ricky - who has revealed that he is "getting the itch back" to fight again - is promoting the bill at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke.

Pride

The 31-year-old admits it will be a proud moment for the whole family to see Matthew fighting for a world title.

"He's always sort of been known as Ricky Hatton's little brother, but to be honest I can't put the gloves on for my brother - he's had to do it all himself," the Hitman said.

"He's got this shot against Lovemore Ndou and you don't get a shot against someone as respected as that from not fighting anybody.

"He's earned his right to challenge for this title and it will be a real proud day for the family. I will feel as proud watching Matthew lifting that belt as much as I have from lifting any myself."