Despite no opponent being confirmed for Ricky Hatton's American invasion, part of the plan was revealed at a packed press conference on Thursday aboard the WW2 era warship HMS Belfast. The thrust of the event was that Ricky Hatton had signed a three fight deal with Philadelphia based Banner Promotions and British outfit Fight Academy, confirming rumours that had been sweeping the UK press for the last week.

Team Hatton is banking that the three fights, all likely to be in the US, will turn "The Hitman" into a global superstar. Although no venue or opponent has been confirmed for the first contest, Carlos Baldomir, who pulled off a massive upset in beating undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah last month, leads the pack of possible opponents with Arturo Gatti and Acelino Frietas also being mentioned.

A bidding war between rival networks HBO and Showtime accounts for the uncertainty of who Hatton, 40-0 (30), will face next but the issue is expected to be resolved within a week.

Art Pellulo, President of Banner Promotions, said that "The Hitman" will fight in May and that there are plans for the raising of a 20,000 seat tent should Hatton fight in the Foxwoods Resort Casino complex in Connecticut. Other likely venues are in Boston and New York's Madison Square Garden.

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