Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe are intent on making 2006 a massive year for
British boxing fans by establishing themselves as undisputed world champions.
Hatton is closing in on a career-defining clash with his fellow
light-welterweight king Floyd Mayweather, insisting he is ready to accept the
American's challenge.
And Calzaghe is focusing on his March 4 tussle with Jeff Lacy convinced he
will knock out his opponent and finally reign as world super-middleweight king.
Hatton's camp are still weighing up their options ahead of the Manchester
Hitman's projected American debut in either April or May.
But Hatton's father Ray said: "The Mayweather fight has been on the
cards ever since Ricky beat Kostya Tszyu - and if someone came along and said
'Here is the Mayweather fight' we would take it.
"We are very close to finalising a deal for his next fight now, but what we
do know is that Ricky is going to be fighting in America in either April or
May."
Mayweather's uncle and trainer Roger has indicated his nephew will now turn
his attention to Hatton, telling the BBC: "The fact Floyd's fight against (Zab)
Judah is off means a fight against Hatton is much bigger now and much easier to
make.
"They are the best in their division, so it adds up. Floyd wants it, and
people are trying to make it."
The Hatton camp are expected to finalise arrangements for their next fight
imminently with Sheffield promoter Dennis Hobson favourite to take charge of his
first defence on American soil.
Ray Hatton added: "We have got to do what is best for us because we have had
eight years where we have not had many choices, so it is a nice position to be
in."
Meanwhile Calzaghe is determined not to let his big chance slip and finally
convince his trans-Atlantic doubters he is the number one 12-stone fighter in
the world in a bout to be televised live on ITV1 and on Showtime in the US.
Calzaghe said: "I have been WBO champion for eight years and I have been
looking for a big fight all this time - finally I have got my opportunity."
"Lacy is a very good fighter, but I believe it is my time. It is my destiny
to unify the titles and show everyone just how good I am."
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