Boxing: Hatton Prepares for 'dream Fight' With Castillo

Ricky Hatton believes victory over Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas on June 23 will help cement his legacy as one of the finest British fighters to lace on gloves.

Hatton will take on the former world lightweight champion at the 17,000-capacity Thomas and Mack Center in one of the most hotly-anticipated fights of the year.

The 33-year-old Mexican made his name in two epic battles with rival Diego Corrales but weight-making issues have prompted him to move up to challenge Hatton's light-welterweight supremacy. The pair will clash for the nominal IBO title after Hatton was forced to give up his IBF crown for political reasons - but there is no doubt the undisputed No1 position in the division is at stake.

"When I beat Kostya Tszyu I beat one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and Jose undoubtedly falls into that category as well," said Hatton. "You become a great fighter by fighting great fighters and Jose is one of them. I am so excited about this fight and I am living my dreams by topping the bill in Las Vegas again. This fight does not need anyone to sell it because everybody knows how good it is going to be. I am not going to take a backward step and neither will Jose."

Both fighters will look to rebound from below-par performances in their last fights on the same bill last month, when Hatton outpointed Juan Urango and Castillo scraped a split decision over Hernan Ngoudjo. "A lot has been said about our last performances," added Hatton, "but when you are involved in so many big fights you raise your game for a challenge - and this is a challenge to say the least."