Ricky Hatton and his promoter Dennis Hobson have welcomed the news that pound-for-pound fighter and potential rival Jose Luis Castillo has escaped a lengthy suspension from boxing.

On Thursday, the Nevada State Athletic Commission fined the Mexican $250,000 - the maximum amount allowed - for his failure to make the 135lbs championship weight limit for his aborted June WBC lightweight rubber match with Diego Corrales.

However, significantly, the NSAC did not hand down the year long ban from the ring many anticipated and Castillo is free to re-apply for a license to box in Nevada in January, on the provision the Mexican only fights above the 135lbs lightweight limit.

Interested observers are Team Hatton, who have already had preliminary discussions with Castillo’s promoter Bob Arum for a super-fight at the 140lbs (10stone) junior welterweight division in early 2007.

And Hatton’s co-promoter Dennis Hobson said: “Ricky will be fighting on December 9 but, allowing ourselves for a second to anticipate a favorable result there, we’ve already had good talks with Bob Arum about making a Hatton v Castillo super-fight for March or April. That’s a fight Ricky is relishing.”

The Fight Academy boss added: “Obviously, we’re happy that Castillo won’t be out of action for a year because we’d love to make the fight happen. But I think the Commission also took the fact that Castillo turns 33 in December into consideration, also.”

Hobson and Hatton were among the thousands who made the trip to Las Vegas in anticipation of another Castillo v Corraes war, only to be crushed by disappointment when the bout was scrapped when Castillo weighed in at 140lbs.

Hobson said: “Me and Ricky were as gutted as anyone that the fight got cancelled at the last minute. We were actually at the weigh in and just couldn’t believe it. But I think Castillo’s paid the price by getting fined $250,000 and should be allowed to move on in his career.

“The best way for Castillo to make it up to boxing fans would be for him to put on another fantastic fight and the most exciting match out there for him is against Ricky Hatton.”

Hobson added that Hatton’s Dec 9 opponent, and the site of the bout, will be confirmed shortly.

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