Warren set for Hatton court fight

Hatton beat Kostya Tszyu for the world title in June

Boxing promoter Frank Warren has initiated legal proceedings against Ricky Hatton after Hatton's camp said he had become a free agent.

Warren claims he has a three-fight deal with the IBF light welterweight champion, but Hatton says there is nothing tying him to the promoter.

"I have never had a cross word with Ricky nor even with his father Ray," said Warren.

"But sadly I now feel I have been left with no other choice."

Warren's company Sports Network added: "With great sadness and regret, Sports Network Ltd has today commenced proceedings in the High Court for an order restraining Ricky Hatton from breaching his promotional agreement with Frank Warren.

"Sports Network Ltd has been pushed into this position by the numerous comments made by Ray Hatton in the media over the last few days and has been forced to issue proceedings to protect its position."

Hatton's father Ray says his son's contract with Warren expired after his world title win over Kostya Tszyu in June.

"We feel bitterly let down by Frank Warren, in numerous ways," he said. "We feel that we're being maligned as though we've done something wrong, as though we've lied. We haven't lied.

"If you had a written agreement with Ricky Hatton for three fights, why has it not been produced? Why are we going through all this?

"Why are we dragging all the dirty washing out - and believe me there is a lot, lot more to come?

"Personally we like Frank, but Frank has disappointed us."