By Sanjeev Shetty BBC Sport in Manchester

The credibility of Ricky Hatton's WBU light-welterweight title fight has been called into question because of doubts about his opponent.

American Vince Phillips missed a scheduled press workout on Wednesday, prompting suggestions that his preparations could leave him exposed during Saturday's contest at the MEN Arena.

Undefeated Hatton will be keen to maintain his proud record

The 39-year-old former world champion arrived at a head-to-head with Hatton in Manchester on Thursday.

But the absence of his promoter, Sugar Ray Leonard, and doubts about his ability to make the junior welterweight limit have put the fight's credibility in question.

Phillips, the only man to have beaten current undisputed world champion Kostya Tszyu, should be the toughest man to have faced unbeaten Hatton.

Hatton's promoters, Sports Network, insist Phillips arrived in the country on Tuesday.

But four days is a short time for him to get mentally and physically ready for fighting - especially given the nine-hour time difference between Manchester and his California base.

The American was spotted in an airport on Thursday morning but Sports Network say he was arriving in the city after taking a connection from London.

Questioned about his apparent disorganisation Phillips replied: "I don't really understand (what the fuss is about)."

Given his age, Phillips is certain to have had difficulties making the weight, having spent the past few years campaigning at welterweight, seven pounds heavier than the weight he must make on Friday.

Saturday's fight will be Hatton's first of the year before a scheduled July contest with Bradford's Junior Witter.

Witter appears on Saturday's show while the chief support to Hatton's fight is an intriguing middleweight contest between Anthony Farnell and Wayne Elcock.