Matthew Hatton admits he is taking the biggest risk of his career when he goes in search of the European welterweight title later this month.

The 28-year-old takes on veteran, Gianluca Branco, on March 26, having accepted the fight at short notice and little over a month since he was last in the ring against Mikheil Khutsishvili. But after his controversial draw with IBO champion, Lovemore N'Dou, last November, he is determined to win a first title.

"Of course it is not ideal and I must beat a brilliant fighter, but I am in decent shape," said Hatton. "I have everything to gain and nothing to lose. I am certain it will be worth the gamble and I can take the title."

Hatton fights on the same bill as Anthony Small's British light-middleweight defence to Sam Web in Dagenham. For tickets call: 0161 775 7500.

HOSEA Burton, the 2009 ABA middleweight champion, successfully began the defence of his title at Cedar Mount School in Gorton on Saturday, with a second round knockout of Irlam's Shaun Sellars.

JAMIE Moore and Greater Manchester PC Paul Slamon have secured the future of the Paramount club in Heaton Norris by finding £2,600 to improve equipment at the Stockport club.