By Alex Trickett

Superb Hatton shocks Tszyu Hitman eyes long reign on top

These are exciting times for Ricky "Hitman" Hatton - and for British boxing.

Manchester's favourite son suddenly has the world at his feet after a stunning stoppage of IBF light welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu.

Until the early hours of Sunday, Hatton's credibility was challenged by many.

Now, though - after bullying one of the best boxers of recent times into shocking submission - doors will swing open, most notably in America, where the Hatton doubters had been loudest.

Hatton hailed 'best in the world'

Major US television network Showtime has named Hatton the "undisputed" champion in a talent-rich division.

And its backing will bring the pick of Las Vegas venues and a blank cheque when it comes to cash.

As promoter Frank Warren beams from ear to ear, a number of options are open to him. Here, BBC Sport weighs them up.

With wily Warren at the helm, this is perhaps the most likely route and few would fault team Hatton for making one or two "lower-key" compulsory defences of his IBF crown.

At 26, it has taken Hatton 39 pro fights - and lots of criticism - to get where he is, so why should he immediately risk it all?

If he chooses this path, look out for Colombian Juan Urango and South African Lovemore Ndou as likely opponents.

Both are rated highly by the IBF and Ndou is well known to British fans after losing on points to Junior Witter in February.

If Hatton's strategy at the negotiation table matches his style in the ring, he will "strike while the iron is hot" and go straight after the best boxers in his division.

They come no better than Floyd Mayweather, a former super featherweight and lightweight champion and one of the best pound-for-pound in the world.

I don't expect Warren to let Ricky near Mayweather From BI Have your say on Five Live

Hatton v Mayweather would make a mouth-watering unification clash if the unbeaten American dethrones WBC holder Arturo Gatti later this month, but it would also be Hatton's toughest available option.

Gatti, meanwhile, could also fit the bill and his kamikaze style would likely lead to a wild scrap.

Supremely-talented WBO champion Miguel Angel Cotto is in the mix, while team Hatton may consider Guyanan WBA titlist Vivian Harris as the softest target among rival champs.

One of the most interesting things to come out of Sunday's post-fight melee, was lightweight champion Diego Corrales calling out to the victorious Hatton from ringside.

Corrales made a name for himself with British fans for his gladiatorial win over Jose Luis Castillo in the fight of 2005 and Warren expressed interest in a fascinating catch-weight contest between his man and the Las Vegan.

Hatton would be prepared to give Kostya Tszyu a rematch, alhough the Russian-born Australian may not want one.

But final word goes to Junior Witter, Britain's other top-class light welterweight.