Ricky Hatton defends his IBO light welterweight world title

LAS VEGAS, June 22: Ricky Hatton defends his IBO light welterweight world title against Mexican Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas on Saturday in a fight he believes will finally showcase his abilities on boxing's biggest stage.

''I think it's going to be fireworks, to say the least,'' the Briton told reporters yesterday. ''I can see it being the best performance of my career, to be honest.'' Hatton, 42-0 with 30 knockouts, has failed to impress a sceptical American public despite winning his previous two bouts against Luis Collazo in Boston in May 2006 and in his Las Vegas debut against Juan Urango last January.

''It's been frustrating for me because since I've come over here to make a big splash in America, even though I've won two world titles, I don't think they've seen me in top form,'' said the Manchester fighter.

He ascribes his relatively uninspiring performances in those two bouts to a combination of illness, awkward opponents, and over-confidence against foes he was predicted to beat easily.

He expects none of those to be factors against former lightweight champion Castillo, 55-7-1, with 47 KOs.

Hatton says he is in better shape even than when he dethroned Kostya Tszyu to take his first world title in June 2005, still his career-defining fight.

Castillo's aggressive style, combined with his own, should guarantee an action-packed bout.

''It's a fight that, from the minute it was announced, I was excited about it,'' said Hatton. ''If I wasn't fighting him, I'd be a fan of Jose Luis Castillo.'' His high regard for his opponent did not stop him predicting victory, however.

''I think we're very similar fighters, but I think I edge him in every department. My footwork's a little bit better. I've got a little bit better speed, a little bit better boxing ability, I'm a little bit stronger than he is,'' he said.

Like Hatton, Castillo is coming off a disappointing performance -- a split-decision victory against unheralded Herman Ngoudjo.

''We were expecting a real easy fight (against Ngoudjo) and it didn't turn out that way,'' he told reporters.

''But with Ricky, we've been watching a lot of film, and we have definite plans for how to fight him, and how to hurt him.'' Although Castillo disagrees with Hatton's prediction of victory, he too forecasts an exciting battle: ''I think it will be a tough fight, and a sensational fight,'' he said.

REUTERS>