"Hitman" Hatton looking to put on a show in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Britain's Ricky Hatton predicts all-out war when he takes on IBF light welterweight champion Juan Urango in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The Manchester-based 'hitman', who many see as favorite in a clash of two undefeated fighters, believes Urango's aggressive approach is a perfect match for his own smothering style and the title bout will leave fight fans wanting more.

"I can box from a distance if need be, but ultimately I don't take too many backward steps," said Hatton, adding that the contest will be his "kind of fight."

"When you walk into a boxing ring, you hope you leave the fans with something special, and with Juan's style and mine, I don't think too many people will be falling asleep."

Hatton, however, is well aware of the threat posed by the Colombian-born champion and has no intention of taking him lightly.

"People may see me as the champion, but I don't," Hatton told reporters on Thursday.

"I see him as the champion. If Juan Urango beats me, it won't be because I underestimated him. He's an undefeated fighter, and undefeated fighters don't know they can be beaten.

"This is the entertainment capital of the world, and I believe in entertainment. It's high on my agenda to put on a show."

WELCOME TO VEGAS

The title previously belonged to Hatton (41-0, 30 KOs) after he defeated long-time champion Kostya Tszyu in Manchester in June 2005. He then relinquished the crown to step up in weight and defeated Luis Collazo last May to win the WBA welterweight title in Boston.

Urango (17-0-1, 13 KOs), who now lives in Florida, won the vacant title last June with a decision over Naoufel Ben Rabah.

Urango's promoter, Leon Margulies, talked up his fighter's chances.

"While Saturday may be Ricky Hatton's welcome to Las Vegas, it will be Juan Urango's coming out party," he predicted.

Urango said Hatton's style suited him.

"Fighters who box from the outside give me the most trouble," said Urango. "I believe Hatton will be there to fight with me, which suits me better."

Hatton is lined up to fight Mexican Jose Luis Castillo if he beats Urango. The former world lightweight champion is fighting Herman Ngoudjo in the co-feature on Saturday.