Exclusive - frustrated Hatton could be handed European title sweetener

Matthew Hatton, who last week voiced his frustration after his proposed interim WBA title shot against Ismael El Massoudi fell through (as reported by BoxRec News yesterday), is in negotiations to challenge for the European welterweight title held by Italy’s Leonard Bundu according to the EBU. Hatton made two successful defences of the European welterweight crown during an eighth month reign last year which earned him a world title crack against WBC light-middleweight king Saul Alvarez, however the Manchester man was widely beaten on points in California.

Returning to his favoured 10st 7lbs division, Matthew bounced back by claiming the vacant IBF International championship with a comfortable points win over Belarus’s Andrea Abramenka in August.

The 36-year-old Bundu, who turned pro at the relatively late age of 30, is undefeated in 27 fights (25 wins, 2 draws) but has chalked up just seven stoppage victories. The Italian’s first bid to claim the European welterweight title vacated by Hatton saw him battle to an eighth round technical draw against compatriot Daniele Petrucci in June. In their rematch two weeks ago, Bundu ended Petrucci’s 30-fight unbeaten streak with a unanimous decision. Bundu is also the last man to defeat Frank Haroche Horta who recently impressed when halting Ireland’s Dean Byrne but his record does look padded on paper.

Hatton previously captured the European title by outpointing veteran Italian Gianluca Branco last March.