Hatton frustrated by wait

Dennis Holbaek Pedersen was stopped in six rounds in April

British light welterweight star Ricky Hatton says he is frustrated waiting for the big fights to happen.

Hatton told BBC Radio Five Live the top names are running scared but is confident significant bouts are "just around the corner".

Many expected "The Hitman" to fight IBF interim champion Sharmba Mitchell on 5 June but negotiations stalled and an opponent is still to be announced.

"It's frustrating, but the big fights are on the horizon," said Hatton.

"The last person you want to fight as a big name is a young, unbeaten body puncher like me."

The 25-year-old also implored the public to be patient.

I'm a boxing star in this country but the next move is to become a star worldwide Ricky Hatton

"When you fight the best the two promoters have got to sit down and discuss purses and whether the fight's going to be in Manchester or America.

"There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes that the public doesn't see - it's easier said than done.

"We tried to make the Mitchell match but after calling me out Frank Warren sat down with Mitchell's team and they asked for double the money he got for fighting Kostya Tszyu for the undisputed title.

"Arturo Gatti's someone I'd like to fight, but he's with [American TV network] HBO whereas I'm with Showtime.

"But I'm now ranked in the top three by all the world governing bodies and I'm pushing right up to that mandatory spot.

"It's clear I'm a boxing star in this country but the next move is to become a star worldwide.

"Frank must be sick to the back teeth of me saying 'come on, let's go to America and fight the best'.

"He says: 'Don't worry, be patient, you're only 25, you're still not at your peak, we're in no rush.' But I want to fight the best because I think I can beat them.

"But I'm not unduly worried - I'm 35 fights unbeaten and I've got to keep going forward."

Hatton stopped Denmark's Dennis Holbaek Pedersen in his last fight in April after highly-rated Brazilian Kelson Pinto pulled out at the last minute.