In the second part of his exclusive interview with skysports.com, Matthew Hatton predicts a classic with Craig Watson.
Battle of Manchester could top the lot, says Hatton Jr
Matthew Hatton believes he could steal the spotlight from big brother Ricky on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old challenges Craig Watson for the Commonwealth Welterweight title on the undercard to his brother's Homecoming fight with Juan Lazacano.
IBF light-welterweight world champion Paulie Malignaggi defends his belt against Lovemore N'dou in the chief support, with Hatton Sr rounding the evening off.
But despite the presence of one of the most popular boxers in the sport and a world champion, Hatton Jr believes his all-Mancunian clash with Watson could be the best of the lot.
"I go to a lot of the shows in Manchester, so I've seen Craig fight a few times," he told
skysports.com.
"He's a good fighter, he's a southpaw so he can be quite awkward. He decked Amir Khan in the amateurs and scored a good first-round stoppage over Robert Lloyd-Taylor, so obviously he can whack a little, but one of my strengths is my durability.
"I take a good shot to the head and the body, I've never been down as an amateur or pro and I've sparred with some great fighters, some really big hitters in the gym.
"I think it's going to be a great clash of styles. A lot of people are talking about this, especially in Manchester, and although it's a great bill with some fantastic fights on, I think mine and Craig's - if our styles blend together - could be the fight of the night.
"It could steal the show."
Hatton has the upper hand in experience having fought 37 times to Watson's 14.
But having floored Khan in the amateurs the Commonwealth champion also saw off Ali Nuumbebe in December, when a deep cut on Nuumbembe's forehead saw the title change hands.
Watson, from Oldham, comes into the fight on the back of a failed bid to take Daniele Petrucci's European title in Rome, the sort of profile and experience Hatton himself craves.
"Hopefully I can beat Craig and lift the Commonwealth title and hopefully I can add the British title within the next 12 months," he said."That's certainly my aim.
"Like I said, it's sink or swim time for me, but I know what I am capable of and I can definitely do it.
"This is a fantastic opportuniuty and if I'm successful, which hopefully I will be, I want to move on quickly to British, European and then fighting for a world title, who knows?
"I'm not looking past Craig Watson, but I'm very confident going into the fight."
