Boxing News: Kostya Tszyu to face Ricky Hatton in June

The Australian Sunday Telegraph has reported that Kostya Tszyu has verbally agreed to a deal which will see Tszyu travel to Manchester, England to fight Ricky Hatton in June.

Tszyu-Hatton promises to be an explosive night of boxing between 2 of the elite from boxing's talent rich 140 lb. division. Kostya Tszyu's recent and impressive thrashing of Sharmba Mitchell landed Tszyu back near the top of boxing's pound for pound ratings. Ricky Hatton – a huge draw in his native England – has been desperate to prove he belongs alongside boxing's elite, and will get that chance when he faces Tszyu.

Hatton's frustation had been growing recently with promoter Frank Warren's inability to land him a big fight. After lengthy negotiations between Warren and Tszyu's manager, Vlad Wharton, it appears that the interested parties are now set to meet within the next week to finalise terms.

The bout, which will take place at the MEN arena in Manchester, will be shown during primetime in the USA.