Ricky Hatton is convinced his brother can become the second world champion in the family.

Matthew defends his European welterweight crown on Friday, but has his sights set on a world title in 2011.

And should he come through the challenge of unbeaten Swiss, Roberto Belge, Ricky believes there will be nothing stopping him from becoming world champion.

Matthew could only draw with Lovemore N’dou when challenging for the IBO title last year., but put that behind him by claiming the vacant European crown against Gianluca Branco in March.

He survived a first round knockdown by Yuriy Nuzhnenko in July, to successfully defend his title – and once Belge is out of the way, Ricky believes the path will be clear to take on WBA champion, Viacheslav Senchenko.

"He’s up the world rankings now and knocking on the door of a title shot," said the Hitman. "When you think he was struggling at the six rounds level, now he’s European champion, looking for a world title, he’s come a long way.

"He’s fighting an unbeaten kid and he’s got to go out there and take that naught away from him. If he can do that then who knows? It would be nice to see another Hatton with a world title."

A potential battle of Britain would be with Kell Brook, who is also hoping to challenge for world title next year.

But the younger Hatton insists he is the country’s number one welterweight.

"Look at the fighters I have been fighting lately," he said. "They can’t be compared with who he has been mixing with.

"In the last couple of years I have faced Ben Tackie, Lovemore N’Dou, Gianluca Branco and Yuri Nuzhnenko.

"No disrespect to his opponents but he hasn’t been fighting the level I have been facing.

"Kell is British champion and I am European champion. I consider myself the best in Europe and that includes him.

"I am not worried about Kell. I think we will meet down the line especially if we both keep winning, but I have been beating better opposition.

"Kell is a real good talented but untested. He won the British title but never fought the best welterweights in Britain."

STEVIE Bell is set to walk away from boxing after making his final bow in Prizefighter.

The Ashton super-featherweight returned to the ring for one final fling last weekend after increasingly focusing his attention on his second career as an actor.

The Coronation Street star, who plays the character of Quinny, was eliminated in the first round – losing to eventual winner, Gary Buckland, on points.

The former England Commonwealth Games captain at least had the distinction of being the only of Buckland’s opponents to avoid being knocked out on the night.

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