Ricky Hatton to fight Juan Urango in Atlanta in January

Former junior-/welterweight champ Ricky Hatton has confirmed that his next fight will be in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 13, 2007 a long wait for Hatton’s legion of loyal fans against Juan Urango for his old IBF junior welter belt.

“I’ll be fighting Juan Urango on January 13, Hatton told Sky Sports, which is a little bit of a disappointment because I was hoping to fight in October or November, but that’s the only date HBO had available.

If and when Ricky gets by Urango, he’ll meet the rugged, weight challenged, former champion from Mexico, Jose Luis Castillo, a fight which is “virtually a done deal.”

Just last week newly crowned WBC champion Junior Witter, fresh off of his points win over DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, called out Hatton, but has been told to hurry up and wait.

“I’m contracted to HBO for my next two fights, said Hatton in response to Junior’s challenge, and they’re practically done deals now. I don’t see why a little bit further down the line that if Junior makes a couple of defenses I can fight him.

“On the undercard will be Castillo. Should I get past Urango they’re lining up Castillo for me. If Junior can hold onto his belt and make a few defenses the fight against me will be even bigger.

Hatton has been in the U.S. checking out gym facilities in Atlanta, in addition to getting a firsthand look at the Atlanta Dome and the Phillips Arena, the city’s two main stadiums.