Stage is set for Hatton v Tszyu

By Ben Dirs
BBC Sport at Manchester's MEN Arena

TALE OF THE TAPE Hatton . . . . . . v . . . . . . Tszyu 26 . . . . . . . . .Age . . . . . . . . 35 5'7. . . . . . . Height . . . . . . . 5'7 66". . . . . . . .Reach . . . . . . .67" Orthodox. . .Stance . . Orthodox 38(29)-0. . . Record. . . 31(25)-1 Ricky Hatton profile Kostya Tszyu profile In-depth photos Full live coverage on BBC Radio Five Live and on this website from 0200 BST on Sunday

The final countdown has begun to Ricky Hatton's IBF title tilt against Kostya Tszyu - one of the most-keenly awaited British fights for years.

Light welterweight champion Tszyu only made the weight at the second time of asking ahead of the Manchester clash on Sunday morning (0200 BST).

The Russian-born Australian failed to make the 10-stone limit by about three ounces at the first attempt.

But he returned just under an hour later to weigh in at exactly 10 stone.

Englishman Hatton weighed in at nine stones, 13 pounds and 12 ounces.

But, following Tszyu's miscalculation, the weigh-in was a chaotic affair, with droves of people crammed in to catch a glimpse of the fighters.

It is not just me, it is British boxing which is going to be a winner this weekend Ricky Hatton

Hatton, 26, seemed relaxed and looked ripped as he mounted the scales.

In contrast, 35-year-old Tsyzu arrived with an entourage of a dozen or so to respectful applause from the crowd.

Hatton is a big underdog to beat his opponent at Manchester's MEN Arena, but the Briton believes he can upset the odds.

"I believe Kostya will bring out the best in me and I expect it to be the performance of my career," he said.

"I am obviously nervous but I am also just as confident as I have been in the rest of my fights."

Hatton goes into the contest unbeaten in 38 fights but knows that he faces a massive battle to claim the title.

He will come at me and that is the great thing about this fight Kostya Tszyu

"Tszyu is one of the best light welterweights in history and probably only Julio Cesar Chavez has achieved more at this weight," said Hatton.

"It is fantastic that we have got someone of Kostya's standard coming over here. It is not just me, it is British boxing which is going to be a winner this weekend.

"Kostya is the favourite and rightly so but we have had many British fighters in the past who were in the same position not being given a chance.

"Barry McGuigan beat Eusebio Pedroza, John H Stracey beat Jose Napoles and Nigel Benn beat Gerald McClellan."

Tszyu, who took only three rounds to dismantle Sharmba Mitchell in his last title fight in November, has warned Hatton that he will not give up his belt without a battle.

"We are not here to do the ballet - this will be a war," said the 35-year-old.

Does it bother me that I've only fought three rounds in two years? No Kostya Tszyu

"I will not need to look for Ricky. He will come at me and that is the great thing about this fight."

The Russian-born Australian has suffered with Achilles tendon and shoulder injuries over the last two years but said his power was not diminished despite his age.

"Does it bother me that I've only fought three rounds in two years? No," he said.

"I'm 35 and I feel so fresh. I'm always in the gym training. I lead a healthy life and have a good family behind me.

"My age doesn't matter. I don't drink and I don't smoke. It doesn't matter what age you are."