American cable TV company Showtime has hinted it is looking for Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton to take a step up in class in 2003.

The broadcaster has a deal to show fights promoted by Frank Warren and could play an essential part in boosting the US profile of the pair.

However, they did not screen the recent bill in Newcastle which saw Calzaghe and Hatton win comfortable defences of their respective WBU light-welterweight and WBO super-middleweight crowns.

With Hatton now having won all 31 of his bouts and Calzaghe boasting a 35-0 record, the signs are that Showtime would like to see them really put to the test.

Showtime supremo Jay Larkin said: "I'm pretty sure that we're all agreed that that's where we have to be with these guys.

"Hatton, has been, let's say, more carefully brought along and developed - there are some better matches we can make for Ricky since the 140lb division is so deep.

"But to be fair to Joe, he's had some terrific fights on the books that have fallen apart at the last minute."

Larkin does not believe the long-awaited bout between Calzaghe and super-middleweight rival Bernard Hopkins will happen any time soon.

But he added: ""All I can tell you is that if Bernard wants to fight Joe, we will be very excited and happy to make that deal."