Ricky Hatton says his victory over American Mike Stewart on Friday has given him the right to challenge for a major title. The Manchester fighter retained his WBU light welterweight title after stopping Stewart at the MEN Arena at the end of the fifth round.
"I have had so much to prove to myself and my critics and I deserve my shot at the title now," he said.
"I put on a good performance and I'm going to get the opportunity now."
The clash was billed as a final eliminator for the IBF championship and Hatton is now in pole position for a shot at either Kostya Tszyu or Sharmba Mitchell, who contest the title on 6 November.
 |  Tszyu is a great puncher while Mitchell is the cleverer fighter. But Ricky can take on them both |
"I've always said that some day I'd have the confidence and the ability to become a real genuine world champion," said Hatton.
"Kostya Tszyu is widely regarded as the number one in the division so that is the man I want to fight.
"I want a big name who is ranked as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in boxing, so that would be a huge scalp for me."
Hatton's impressive victory was his 14th defence of the WBU title and his promoter Frank Warren believes both Tszyu and Mitchell can be beaten.
"I think Ricky could beat both of them and I wish he was fighting Kostya Tszyu right now," said Warren.
"Tszyu is a great puncher while Mitchell is the cleverer fighter. But Ricky can take on them both."
MMIX
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