Ricky Hatton of England.

LONDON (Reuters):

RICKY HATTON has asked Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to carry his belt into the ring inLas Vegas next month when the Briton defends his IBO world light-welterweight title against Jose Luis Castillo.

The 28-year-old Hatton, a big fan of United's fierce rivals Manchester City, will fight Mexican Castillo on June 23 in the Thomas & Mack Centre in Vegas, hoping to stretch his professional record to 43 win and no defeats.

Rooney, whose father won amateur boxing titles and whose uncle runs a gym, will be in Vegas to support Hatton with fellow United players Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown and John O'Shea and 8,000 fans from Britain.

"I know Wayne is a big boxing fan and I used to box for England with his uncle Richie," Hatton told reporters at a London news conference to announce a Setanta Television deal for the Castillo fight.

"When I knew he was going to be there it seemed like a good idea to ask him to carry in my belt. I'll have a Scouser carrying in my belt.

"He was made up about it, really delighted. A few of the United lads were in the gym last week but none of them wanted to get into the ring with me."

Third appearance

Hatton will be making his third appearance in the States after reclaiming his IBO light-welterweight title against Juan Urango in January and beating Luiz Collazo for the WBA welterweight title a year ago.

Both of those victories were unconvincing, but Hatton believes the dangerous Castillo will bring out the best in him.

"I've really got the bit between my teeth for this fight," Hatton said. "I'm getting the same sort of feeling I had before I fought Kostya Tszyu.

"My last two opponents were awkward southpaws and were not the easiest fighters to look good against. To be perfectly honest, I'm due a good display.

"I will be straight on the front foot against Castillo who is one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world. I can't wait to get out to Vegas, it has got such a buzz about it.

"I want this to be the kind of fight that is talked about for years to come."

Hatton also said he would like the chance to meet Floyd Mayweather Jr,should the American rethink his decision to quit after beating Oscar De La Hoya to win the WBC super welterweight title on Saturday.

"It all depends on him really," said Hatton. "I've got the style to beat him.

"De La Hoya will be kicking himself when he watches the video because he handed Mayweather the fight by taking his foot off the gas."