RICKY HATTON has warned stable star Denton Vassell that he faces the hardest fight of his career this weekend.

The undefeated Mancunian makes the second defence of his Commonwealth welterweight crown against Australian Samuel Colomban at Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday (12th Nov).

And Vassell’s promoter has warned his fighter’s ‘0’ will go unless he’s on top form in the 12 rounder being televised live by Sky Sports.

Hatton warned: “This is the biggest fight of Denton's career – one I expect him to win.”

Vassell, 27, has won all 18 fights and a return against Lee Purdy, who he defeated to become Commonwealth champion in April 2010, has been mooted.

Hatton added: “There are several big matches to be made domestically which adds extra importance for Denton to not only win but win in style, but make a claim as Britain’s next welterweight star on the world stage.”

Cameroon born Colomban has won 20 of his 23 fights, but is on a hot streak having won his last ten contests and picked up the WBO Oriental and Africa titles.

Also added to the bill is Middlesbrough’s former Commonwealth featherweight champion Paul Truscott who meets Dezzie Higginson over eight rounds.

Other fights: Matty Askin v Roman Kracic, Kieran Farrell v Youssef Al Hamidi, Jazza Dickens v  TBA, Adam Little v Billy Smith and Kieran Maher v TBA

Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets priced at £35, £55 and £75 VIP ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991 or online www.hattonboxing.com