DENTON VASSELL will make the first defence of his Commonwealth welterweight title this week vowing to become the first world champion produced by Hatton Promotions.

Vassell, who works for a high street bank by day risks his title against tough Namibian Bethuel ‘Tyson’ Ushona at Robin Park Sports Centre, Wigan on Saturday 26th March.

Trainer Bob Shannon has done a fantastic job preparing Vassell and Hatton Promotions President Ricky Hatton tips the fast rising star  to win a world title.

Although Shannon oversees all of Vassell’s training session, ‘The Hitman’ is often on hand at Hatton Health and Fitness offering advice.

Vassell, 26, said: “It is an awesome experience to have Ricky helping and giving me so much support.

“I will pay Ricky and Bobby for all their help by defending this title and going on to bigger and better things.

“It gives me so much confidence and the tip Ricky gives is really good. I think he has a career as a trainer. It spurs me on.”

Namibian Ushona who has won all 23 fights, and holds a win over countryman Ali Nuumbembe who was formerly based in Manchester.

Vassell, 26, has won all 16 professional fights and will be making the first defence of the title he won against Lee Purdy last April.

In the chief supporting bout unbeaten hopefuls Matty Askin and Neil Dawson slug it out for the vacant Central Area cruiserweight title.

Other action packed clashes feature Tom Doran Adam Little, Rhys Roberts. Jez Wilson, Jazza Dickinson and Tom Shaw