Kostya Tszyu has confirmed that he will make the next defence of his IBF light-welterweight title against Ricky Hatton in Manchester on June 4.
The Australia-based Russian will hold a press conference at his Sydney gym tomorrow to officially announce details of the bout.
A start time of 4am is expected for the much-anticipated clash to cater for American television audiences.
"I'm excited to be fighting Ricky because I believe he is a worthy
challenger," Tszyu said. "This is the fight my fans want to see so I look forward to putting on a good show for them."
Tszyu asserted himself as the undisputed 140lb kingpin when returning from a 22-month injury lay-off to destroy Sharmba Mitchell inside three rounds in Phoenix in November.
The 35-year-old has a record of 31 wins against just one defeat, a 10th-round loss to subsequent Hatton victim Vince Phillips back in May 1997.
Hatton, meanwhile, has won all 38 of his pro bouts, with 28 of those victories coming inside the distance.
The 26-year-old has successfully defended his lightly-regarded WBU title 15 times but now gets the chance to prove himself a true world champion.
