The bout was due to be staged in South Africa on September 11 but has been switched to November 13 in front of Hatton's hometown fans.
A venue has not yet been decided - but barring any last minute hitches, Ricky Hatton's younger brother will face the dream scenario of claiming his first world title in his own backyard. The 28-year-old said: "We are looking at a few different venues but it will definitely be local.
"My team have done a really good job to secure it over here and give me home advantage."
The MEN Arena would be an obvious venue - but given Amir Khan's failure to sell out for his WBA light-welterweight clash against Andreas Kotelnik in July, Hatton Promotions might shy away from such a large stage.
Manchester's Velodrome would be another option - and further afield Wigan's Robin Park could be considered as well as the Bolton Arena. Hatton's team are heading out to South Africa next week to put the final touches to a deal that has proved problematic throughout protracted negotiations.
It was scrapped altogether at one point after N'dou's camp demanded future rights over Hatton should he prove victorious.
"Magic" then turned to a high-profile clash with Zab Judah on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather's comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.
But that also fell through - much to the anger of Ricky - when Judah's camp demanded the fight take place at 10st 3lbs instead of 10st 7lbs. As a result the N'dou fight was quickly put back on the table with Hatton due to fight in South Africa a week on Saturday.
Further negotiations over the past week have seen the much-anticipated clash delayed again - but this time it has presented Hatton with a clear advantage of fighting on his own doorstep.
And he will be grateful for any advantage against the hugely experienced N'dou, who has won 47 of his 59 bouts - 31 of them by knockout.
A former IBF light-welterweight champion, he twice lost to Paulie Malignaggi on points.
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Free Ian Brown, Denton (03/09/2009 at 13:27)
Hope he pulls it off on the night.
PatBlackFlash (03/09/2009 at 13:43)
How can they call it a 'World title' when Matthew Hatton is the THIRD best Welterweight in Manchester, behind Michael Jennings (just fought Miguel Cotto) and Craig Watson (who beat Matthew in 2007).
This article correctly states that N'dou has won 47 of his 59 fights. What it doesn't mention is that N'dou is 38 years old has has only won 2 fights in the last 2 and a half years!!!!
If Ricky Hatton wants to be the best promoter in the business as he says he does, then he shouldn't be pulling the wool over peoples eyes and promoting this as a 'World Title' fight. Anyone with even a cursory interest in boxing knows that this isan't even close to a proper World Title fight.
Matthew hasn't even boxed at British title level, never mind World title level.
No doubt big Brother Ricky will be looking to fleece the punters and will be promting the fight as something it is not... "Our Matthew's fighting for his first World Title, it should be a great fight, N'dou is a tough opponent blah blah blah."
The reality is that N'dou has got an awful style and Matthew's style lacks excitement and dynamism. The net result of which will be a 12 round points win for Matthew in a very forgetful (dare I say boring) fight.
Message for Hatton Promotions - Come on, you can do better than this.
Free Ian Brown, Denton (04/09/2009 at 09:32)
3/09/2009 at 13:43
I agree with your comments re-this being a poor fight for the fans, not a genuine title, etc.
But as for Hatton Promotions? I think they've pulled one out of the bag here. There are more deserving fighters than Matthew out there who are nowhere near to getting a shot at this level, and against a reasonably respected but beatable fighter.
In terms of promoting their man, they've done a great job.
Hands of Stone, Southside (04/09/2009 at 10:14)
redfred, manchester (07/09/2009 at 20:25)