Ricky Hatton will give up his IBF light-welterweight title, so he can battle American Luis Collazo in the welterweight category, on 13th of May. This decision comes as a result of his refusal to defend his title against mandatory challenger, Naoufel Ben Rabah.

"Winning the IBF title was the greatest night of my life. To give it up outside the ring is truly painful. It has never been my or my team's intention not to defend my title against the IBF's appointed challenger but sadly due to outside influences, legal problems and problems meeting TV schedules, it seems that this is the situation I find myself in", said Hatton earlier today.

Earlier this week, Ricky told the media that he hopes to beat Collazo, so he can have a chance to meet bigger opponents in 147lb category. This is the only way he can challenge for the World welterweight title.

"After that fight there should be a few more big-name bouts for me. They would be career-defining fights for me - and with all due respect to Rabah he cannot be counted among the big names.", insisted Hatton in a Sun interview.

Rabah will now have to face another contender for the world title in the light-welterweight category, after defeating Mexican Arturo Morua last September.