Confusion over Hatton fight against Lazcano

Although the date and venue remain secure, Hatton insists nothing has been finalised with any prospective 140lbs challenger - something with which Texan Lazcano begs to differ.

Hatton's father Ray said: "Until you see their signature alongside your signature, it's never done. We're hoping the people concerned are going to sign them. It will probably be about another seven days to confirm it."

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However, Lazcano told his local El Paso Times last Thursday: "It's done - I signed the contract today."

The Hatton camp's non-committal approach seems strange given they have two months to sell around 55,000 tickets for a contest against a man who lost his last fight to Vivian Harris, who in turn was subsequently beaten by Junior Witter.

But they are clearly banking on the kind of phenomenal box office backing which saw tens of thousands of fans flock to Las Vegas to see Hatton put up a brave showing against Floyd Mayweather in December.

In a hastily convened press conference Hatton reiterated that he was relishing the opportunity to fight again in front of his home-town fans and prove to his doubters that he has plenty left to offer.

Hatton said: "It's my intention to come back strong and slam the door on to everyone who thinks I am finished. I'm not quite finished yet.

"I'm not putting a number on how many fights I've got but I'm down the home straight of my career. It's all about ticking off those goals I have to achieve in my career.

"I've been talking for God knows how many years that I'd love one day to fight at City's ground. It was always a dream to come and fight at my beloved Man City and now the dream's come real.

"I've done so many things in my career: I've won six world titles, two different weight divisions, I've fought for the best pound-for-pound title in the world, I've topped the bill in Vegas - I've done so much."

Hatton had always stated his first post-Mayweather fight would take place back on home soil and he will take a pay cut to keep his word with no live pay-per-view broadcast planned for the United States.

But having recently inked a promotional deal with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy organisation, the US remains very much on Hatton's agenda and he will expect to return if all goes to plan against Lazcano.

Part of the plan is for New York's reigning IBF champion Paulie Malignaggi to fight on the Hatton-Lazcano undercard, with a view to sealing a contest between the pair for Madison Square Garden this summer.