Hatton has the purse strings

Hatton Promotions has shown their ambition by winning the purse bids for two eagerly anticipated domestic title fights - Gary Sykes' British super-featherweight championship defence against Gary Buckland and Anthony Crolla's British lightweight title showdown against Scottish ace Willie Limond.

The dates and venue are still to be confirmed, but will be staged on top class promotions televised by Sky Sports later this year.

Hatton Promotions hard-hitting Welshman Buckland is delighted to get his chance against Yorkshireman Sykes. The pair met last year in a Prizefighter tournament which Buckland won, and knocked out Sykes inside 45 seconds of their semi-final. Buckland, 25, is in red hot form and became one of the few Britons to win in Mexico last month, outpointing Jose Roberto Gonzalez.

Hatton Promotions President Ricky Hatton said: "I am delighted that we have won the bids for two quality contests.

"I am delighted for Buckland and believe he will beat Sykes, prove himself the best in Britain and then move onto the European stage.

"When they last fought Buckland got it done early, but Sykes will make sure he doesn’t get caught early and I do believe we have a 'Fight of the Year' candidate.

"Anthony Crolla has to be one of the most improved fighters in Britain and has a big chance against Erik Morales in September.

"He is also keen to defend his British title and Limond is a worthy mandatory challenger. He came close to beating Amir Khan and did well against Morales last year before getting stopped."