Hatton vs. Belge on Friday

RICKY HATTON says seeing younger brother Matthew win a world title would mean as much as any of his great victories.

Matthew, 29, is on the brink of a crack at the world welterweight title, but must first come through Friday’s (26/11) European championship defence against Switzerland’s undefeated Roberto Belge at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium.

Former two-weight champion Ricky said: “Matthew is every bit a success story in the ring as I have been.

“If someone had said he’ll become European champion and closing in on a world title when he was losing six rounders you wouldn’t have believed them.

“A lot of the credit goes to Matthew for dusting himself down, getting himself back and not listening to people.

“When it wasn’t going right for Matthew, I wouldn’t have blamed him if he said, ‘this isn’t for me’ and threw the towel in, but he stuck at it.

“From where Matthew has come, if he fought for the world title, what a story that would be.

“If he won a world title I would be as proud as I was myself every time I won a big fight.”

Matthew, has won 40 of his 46 fights and despite occasional performances to forget he is unbeaten in eight contests and in the best form of his career

Ricky added: “He had no amateur career to speak of and had to learn as a professional which is hard enough. Now he is coming into his own and is a late bloomer

“Matthew has achieved more than anybody could have envisaged in their wildest dreams. He is physically stronger and looks the part now.

“I had a great amateur career and people knew I had a talent. Matthew had 18 amateur fights, a stop start career and lost the odd one.

“Matthew is a perfect example to any youngster and shown that if at first you don’t succeed keep your head down.”

On the Bolton bill, Commonwealth middleweight champion Martin Murray aims to become a double champion when he tees off with Brazil’s former world title challenger Carlos Nascimento for the vacant WBA international crown

On the same bill, Bury’s impressive WBA international champion Scott Quigg will be bidding for his 21st consecutive win, but faces good Frenchman Daniel Kodjo Sassou – his toughest opponent to date.

The rest of the undercard features some of Hatton Promotions talented prospects including Matty Askin, Adam Etches, Tasif Khan and Beijing Olympian Joe Murray

Hatton Promotions latest talent stacked show is certain to sell-out but you can get your tickets £75 (Ringside), £50 and £30 from 0161 775 7500, www.ticketline.co.uk. There is limited number of corporate packages – price on request.