Manchester’s Matthew Hatton is a fighter who has always done things the hard way. Living large portions of his career with the unwanted “little brother” tag attached to him, Hatton also endured a number of defeats that hampered his progress and perhaps suggested that he didn’t possess the necessary attributes to advance past the domestic dwelling that he found himself in.

With dogged persistence, Hatton made a rapid climb throughout the talent-laden welterweight division and this was rewarded with a lucrative opportunity against Mexican sensation Saul Alvarez up at light-middleweight. Despite being on the wrong end of the verdict, Hatton earned worldwide plaudits due to his stern resistance and the same toughness was on display in spring when Hatton went down to a wide points defeat against Sheffield’s Kell Brook. The Manchester favourite returns to action in his hometown on October 12th against Michael Lomax, and he’s desperate to wander amongst the world-class landscape once again.

“The Brook fight was not the real Matthew Hatton and I know that sounds like a cliché but things didn’t go as planned,” revealed the former European champion. “My nose was broken in the 2nd round and everything just went out the window following that. There was no way I could stick to the game-plan we had for Kell so I was basically just in there walking forward and trying to survive. I’m a firm believer that I’m a world-class fighter but I didn’t prove it against Kell. I’m happy to get in there and prove it to people once again.”

Hatton, reunited with former tutor Lee Beard following an amicable split from Bob Shannon, insists that he’s “a number of levels above” his upcoming foe but he also believes that the former amateur star possesses a decent enough pedigree to provide him with a solid test that will prepare him for his likely assault on the global rankings in 2013.

“There’s no way I can afford to look past Michael Lomax because on his day he’s capable of putting a good performance in but it’s never been my style to underestimate anybody. He was a great amateur who won many titles and he also won Prizefighter so that shows the experience he’s got. If I’m as good as I think I am then I really have to be dealing with the likes of Michael Lomax and be disposing of him in style. I’m a better fighter then what he is and I’ll show that once the first bell goes.”

Performing in Manchester for the first time in two years, “Magic” is delighted for the opportunity to be fighting in front of his loyal following and is grateful to promoter Dave Coldwell for giving him the chance to hopefully deliver a happy homecoming. Providing the support to a quality Manchester derby in the shape of David Barnes v Ronnie Heffron, Hatton is adamant that this will be a night to remember.

“There’s no better feeling then fighting in Manchester and It’s been a while since I’ve been there so hopefully I can put on a good show for them. My supporters have been great to me all the way throughout my career so it’s only fair that I get in there and give them a performance that they can remember. My mind is firmly set on October 12th and I’m looking forward to what should be a quality night. My fans will not be disappointed.”