Hatton beat Eamonn Magee on points on Saturday to retain the WBU version of the title.

But his real target remains Russian-born Australian Tszyu, who holds all the major belts.

However, Tszyu is contracted to have at least two more fights before any thoughts of a contest with Hatton and it will be next year, at the earliest, before they can finally meet.

Hatton's promoter Frank Warren says the Manchester fighter will use the time to continue his boxing education after learning some valuable lessons against Magee.

"Until Tszyu has completed his fights, Ricky will continue with his learning," said Warren.

"Fighting a southpaw was a good experience for him and a good education."

Despite a performance which saw him hit the canvas within the first 30 seconds when he was caught off-guard by a right-hand, Hatton was fairly pleased with his display.

"I took a lot of pluses out of the fight," he said. "I took it to him in a calculated fashion.

"I thought that I put on a good boxing performance but I had to show a bit."

Better fighter

Hatton's trainer Billy Graham was more critical of his man.

"Ricky didn't do what we told him to do. He played right into Magee's hands," said Graham.

"Eamonn wanted to draw him in and save his energy. Ricky shouldn't have fallen for that, he could have out-boxed him and hurt him.

"But the experience will make him a much better fighter. Ricky Hatton does not make the same mistake twice."