RICKY Hatton has been lined up for his first major world title shot in the autumn, probably against World Boxing Association champion Vivian Harris.

The Hitman's next bout, a double-header with Joe Calzaghe at the Manchester Evening News Arena, has now been put back a week until June 12.

But that is now going to be a tune-up fight for what should be a big September clash. Harris, independently ranked at No 4 in the world, is tipped to face Hatton, but there have also been talks with former world lightweight champion Paul Spadafora.

Rumours have been circulating in Manchester that Hatton, whose last fight was a six-round demolition of Dennis Holbaek Pedersen just over five weeks ago, was to be taken off the Arena bill.

If true, it would have meant that Welsh ace Calzaghe's challenge for the International Boxing Federation's light-heavyweight title, against Jamaica's Glen Johnson, would have been solo top billing.

But Hatton and promoter Frank Warren have agreed to delay the show by seven days, partly to allow a suitable opponent to be found, and partly to allow the Hyde fighter extra time to prepare.

Confusion

The opponent is set to be announced over the next 48 hours once the Hitman and his handlers have studied videotapes of two possible opponents and Hatton said: "I am definitely fighting. There has been some confusion over the date bit that has been sorted.

"I started back in training a couple of weeks ago and started punching last week because my hands were up like balloons after the Pedersen fight.

"I am glad the show has been put back a week because holding it on the fifth would have meant me having to cut corners."

All of that indicates that Hatton's next opponent will not be a major test, especially with the possibility of Guyanan ace Harris waiting in September.

"I can't afford to look at my next fight as a tune-up. When you start doing that you end up getting knocked on your backside."

Unfortunate

Warren said: "The delay is unfortunate but it has allowed us the time to find a challenger for Hatton who is fit and ready and will meet with the British Boxing Board of Control's strict regulations.

"The main thing is that the show is still on and we are in for a fantastic evening of world championship boxing at the M.E.N Arena. Joe is in a great fight against Johnson which is set to be an explosive encounter and from what I have heard he is looking sensational in training."

Hatton's camp are fuming that Kelson Pinto, the Brazilian fighter who did not show for a World Boxing Organisation title showdown with Hatton at the Arena last month, will now face Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico for the same title.

"Apparently Pinto produced a doctor's letter which no-one could disprove, and under WBO regulations he could not be taken out of the ratings," said Warren.

Showtime, the American television network that screens Hatton's fights in the States, has already said it will have nothing to do with Pinto in future, ruling out a re-arrangement of the postponed Hatton fight.

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