RICKY Hatton believes he has been sprinkled with the same "magic stardust" as the boxing superstars who have been able to make Las Vegas their own.

As many big names have floundered under the bright neon lights of the Strip as those who have cemented their reputations by dazzling in this desert city.

And Hatton is well aware of the need to go beyond the call of duty to impress his critical US audience when he challenges for Juan Urango's IBF light-welterweight title at the Paris Casino.

Hatton said: "Champions like Mike Tyson and Oscar De La Hoya just had that little bit of magic stardust around them that other champions didn't seem to have.

"Tyson had that aura about him because he looked so menacing all the time while Oscar was the complete contrast, a well brought up fellow who didn't have a bad word to say about anybody

"I don't fight like a typical British fighter, my style is probably more towards a Mexican or an American, and I think that is why my reputation is as big as it is.

Special

"Now I have got the right opponent to make this something special. I am expecting some real fireworks because Urango never takes a backward step and we will both be going for the knockout.

"I think the fans are on to a winner and that means a lot to me because I never want anyone to walk away from my fight saying it sent them to sleep. I want them to witness something special."

Meanwhile Hatton has vowed to chase fights against the biggest names in the light-welterweight division provided he comes through his match against the tough Colombian.

A fight with former lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo is already tentatively scheduled for later this year and Castillo's one-time rival Diego Corrales is also a possible future foe.

Hatton added: "I feel I am in my prime and have two or three more years before I retire so really it is a case of taking the most meaningful fights that are out there.

"You need big challenges to get yourself motivated and for me keeping the hunger means fighting the biggest names in boxing. As long as I have training camps like this one I will be ready for anyone."

What is your prediction for the fight? Have your say.

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