RICKY Hatton will face Dane Dennis Pedersen at the MEN Arena on Saturday night after original opponent Kelson Pinto pulled out.

Hatton's preparations were thrown into chaos on Thursday when Brazilian puncher Pinto failed to arrive in the country ahead of their WBU light-welterweight and WBO interim light-welterweight title showdown, citing illness and management difficulties.

That left promoter Frank Warren desperately searching for a replacement but Pedersen has agreed to fill the gap.