Hatton is still undefeated in 41 pro encounters

Hatton is expected to challenge IBF light welterweight champion Juan Urango of Colombia in Atlanta on 9 December.

It will be the second time Hatton has fought for the title, having dethroned former champion Kostya Tszyu last year.

Hatton's promoter Dennis Hobson said: "We are finalising negotiations at the moment. Moving back down to 140lbs to fight Urango is our preferred route."

Hatton, 27, out-pointed Luis Collazo in May to claim the WBA welterweight title but struggled at the new weight.

I certainly would not discount a domestic fight with Junior Witter Ricky Hatton's promoter Dennis Hobson

He had given up his two light welterweight titles - the IBF and the WBA he won from Colombian Carlos Maussa - in order to step up.

In the wake of his win over Collazo, both Hatton and his trainer Billy Graham intimated his future lay at the lighter weight, where there are now many more marketable matches.

Lightweight stars Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo have both implied they will soon be moving up, and Bradford's Junior Witter will come back into the equation if he wins the WBC title next month.

Hobson added: "There are a number of fights to whet your appetite at 140lbs and I certainly would not discount a domestic fight with Junior Witter if he wins in style."

The 25-year-old Urango is unbeaten in 17 professional fights and claimed the title with an unanimous points win over Naoufel Ben Rabah in June.

Urango's handlers claim the bout against Hatton has been signed and sealed for some time with just the exact date and venue remaining to be confirmed.