Castillo will be Hatton's toughest opponent since Tszyu in 2005

The pair will fight for the nominal IBO light welterweight belt but mastery of the 147lbs division is the real prize.

"You become a great fighter by fighting great fighters and Jose is one of them," said the 28-year-old Hatton.

"I am so excited about this fight and I am living my dreams by topping the bill in Las Vegas again. This fight does not need anyone to sell it."

Interview: Ricky Hatton

The much-anticipated contest will be staged at the 17,000-capacity Thomas and Mack Center.

A lot has been said about our last performances but when you are involved in so many big fights you raise your game for a challenge - and this is a challenge Ricky Hatton

"When I beat Kostya Tszyu I beat one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and Jose undoubtedly falls into that category as well," said Hatton.

"I am not going to take a backward step and neither will Jose."

Both men will also want to impress after disappointing displays on the same bill in Las Vegas last month.

Castillo, a 33-year-old Mexican, was sluggish in a split decision win over Cameroon's Hernan Ngoudjo, before Hatton laboured to a points win over Colombian Juan Urango.

"A lot has been said about our last performances but when you are involved in so many big fights you raise your game for a challenge - and this is a challenge to say the least," added Hatton.

The popular Mancunian claimed the IBF version of the light welterweight title with that win but boxing politics forced him to give up the belt in order to fight Castillo.

606 DEBATE: How will Hatton fare against Castillo?