Matthew Hatton faces prison-bound Frank Houghtaling

Press Release: Matthew Hatton will join older brother Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas this weekend, taking on Frank Houghtaling in a twelve round clash for a regional welterweight title at the Paris Hotel on Saturday night. Since becoming a professional fighter in 2000, 25 year old Matthew Hatton has toiled in the shadow of his celebrated older brother Ricky Hatton but the welterweight from Manchester is hoping that his bout with Houghtaling will grab some of the family limelight. "This is the biggest fight of my career," said Hatton. "There have been British world champions who haven't had the opportunity to box in Las Vegas, so for me to box there at this stage of my career is absolutely fantastic. I couldn't be looking forward to it any more than I am". Coming off a series of bouts last year that ran the gamut between a close contest in Boston, a controversial disqualification loss during a British title eliminator and a useful outing just five week ago, the younger Hatton brother feels well prepared for his Las Vegas debut.  Standing in Hatton'se is rugged veteran Frank Houghtaling. Recently the fortunes of the 33 year old ex-US Army serviceman have taken a turn for the worse as he's due to begin a prison term shortly after the fight, following an insurance related conviction in New York. Facing an opponent with so little to lose, Matthew Hatton is taking no chances and has prepared for a long, hard fight. Trainer Billy Graham is convinced that the younger Mancunian is destined to emerge victorious from this weekend in Vegas.  "Matthew has improved a lot over the last year," assessed Graham, "He's a good, awkward fighter who gives opponents a lot of problems and he wants a step up fight; he wants this kind of challenge. He's very good over long distances because he's got incredible stamina. If Houghtaling comes to fight, it will bring the best out in Matthew and I'm convinced he'll be bringing the belt back to England". Tickets can be purchased by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com or calling the Paris Box Office at 1-888-727-4758.