RICKY Hatton's repeated pleas for a fight against one of the world's top names look like they have finally been answered.

Promoter Frank Warren has promised the Hitman a shot at former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora in Manchester in October - providing he doesn't slip up against Argentinian Carlos Wilfredo Vilches tomorrow night.

The Hyde light-welterweight makes the 13th defence of his World Boxing Union crown at the M.E.N. Arena.

But the fight has been heavily overshadowed by reports of Hatton's frustrations at Warren's failure to set up a big money showdown with one of the division's top names.

Big name

Warren, however, insists a deal with American Spadafora is now in the final stages of being rubber-stamped, although it is clear Hatton and trainer Billy Graham will not be happy until the fight is officially confirmed in writing.

Quite how all the talk about an October showdown has affected Hatton's concentration remains to be seen, but the Hitman insisted yesterday that he is not underestimating former South American and Argentine champion Vilches.

"My comments were borne out of frustration really, because I've been linked with all these names for the last two years, but none have come off," said the 25-year-old, who has had just five weeks to prepare rather than his usual 10 as it is not even three months since his last outing against Dennis Holbaek Pedersen in April.

"I was just a little cheesed off. I'm getting towards my peak now. I think I've made my name in Great Britain now and the next stage is to become a big hit in the United States.

"I have told Frank what I want. I want to fight the top names in the world and if he does not provide them then it goes without saying that I won't be very happy.

"I felt I had to come out and say what I did. I am not saying I want to leave Frank Warren, but I have got decisions to make if one of these top fights does not come off. Frank has assured me of a fight against Spadafora now and I believe him. If it happens then that will be absolutely great for my career and mine and Frank's relationship."

He added: "I can assure you that I am not under-estimating Vilches by any means. You saw what happened to Lennox Lewis against Hasim Rahman and there is no way I am going to let that happen.

"I have seen tapes of three of his fights and it looks like he can mix it up and box."

Vilches has a solid record, but is only independently ranked at No 40 in the world having been destroyed inside four rounds by world class Sharmba Mitchell, who was originally touted as an opponent for Hatton until he priced himself out of contention.

He has 41 wins from 48 fights, with his biggest scalp Omar Weis, who he beat to win the Argentine title in April 2001.

But the 27-year-old, who stepped in to replace compatriot Antonio Mesquita, has lost three of his last seven fights.

Yet he admits he has been left a little bemused by all the talk of Hatton's potential showdown with Spadafora.

"I think it is a mistake to talk about other fights in the future," he said.

"I will be one of the best opponents Ricky has had, I have come to fight and plan to give him an excellent lesson of boxing and become the champion. I've not come here for the money."