Matthew Hatton gets shock WBC title shot

Manchester's 'Magic' Matthew Hatton will fight for the vacant WBC world light-middleweight title when he faces undefeated Mexican Saul Alvarez on March 5th.  

Manny Pacquiao has been stripped of the belt he won against Antonio Margarito last November as he has opted to take on Shane Mosley instead of defending his title.  

"I have been waiting my entire career to fight for a world title and I can't put into words how excited I am," said Hatton.

"I was already really motivated for this fight and this just adds to it. I am ready to bring the belt back with me to Manchester."

Alvarez said, "This is a great opportunity and an honour. I said that I wanted to fight for a world title in 2011 and now the opportunity has arrived." 

Hatton is the European champion at welterweight - great opportunity for him but his shot at the self-styled most prestigious belt in world boxing at a division above is another blow to the credibility of governing bodies generally.