RICKY Hatton has backed Matthew Macklin to become his first world champion as a promoter.

Macklin takes on Amin Asikainen for the European middleweight title at the Velodrome tomorrow.

And Hatton, who is promoting the show, has told Macklin he can then go on to conquer the world.

"The winner of this fight puts themselves right up there with the elite," said the Hitman. "It is a big fight for both.

"I feel that Matthew Macklin was always destined for an even higher level than he is at already."

Macklin, from Birmingham, but based at Joe Gallagher's Denton gym, defeated Wayne Elcock for the British title in March.

He has faced some criticism for not taking on Commonwealth champion Darren Barker.

But at 27, promoter Hatton is desperate to see him fulfil his full potential, which means competing at European and world level.

"He's had a slow-burning career," he said. "But we always thought he was worth a higher level.

"But this fight isn't without its dangers because Amin Asikainen is a wonderful fighter. But I feel confident Matthew will be victorious."