Ricky Hatton plans to be involved in Bristol boxing for a long time to come.

The IBO light welterweight champion stages his second show in the city inside three months when he promotes at the Marriott Hotel on Saturday.

And 'The Hitman' is promising "many more" to come after signing up to work with Bristol-based promoter Jane Couch, the former women's world champion. Couch has been drafted in to help organise Hatton Promotions events while Ricky prepares for his May 2 super-fight against Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton explained: "I need help to put shows on while I'm still boxing and Jane is the ideal person.

"I've known her for years and we're good mates. What she has done for the sport and for women's boxing in particular, is just incredible.

"She's passionate about boxing, knows the game inside out and grafts like no-one else I've ever known.

"It didn't take me long to realise I needed someone like Jane on board to deal with the nuts and bolts of staging shows. We've agreed to work together and I couldn't be more delighted."

Although Hatton made his promotional debut at Birmingham's Tower Ballroom last September, his intention is to stage more shows in his native Manchester and Bristol.

He said: "I have a stable of exciting young fighters back at home and I know Jane and Tex Woodward have some promising lads in their camp.

"It makes sense to work in both cities and help the kids come through. I've been there myself and I know how important it is to be given an opportunity early in your career.

"Because of my name and connections, there will also be chances for the kids to appear on bigger shows elsewhere in the country. But for now, the main focus will be on promoting in Manchester and Bristol and providing the public with value for money."

Tickets for Saturday night's bill have virtually sold out and Hatton will be at ringside to see Bristolian Danny Butler contest the vacant Western Area middleweight with Paignton's Carl Drake.

Butler is bidding to add the regional belt to the British Masters super middleweight title he won last year.

Spaniorum Farm stable-mate Pete Leworthy, from Kingswood, defends his unbeaten record in a four round featherweight contest against Swansea's Craig Dyer, while former Downend ABC star Martin Robbins makes his professional debut against Simon Morgan.

Bristol's Danny Gwilym provides further local interest when he meets middleweight Jamie Ambler.

Hatton signings Alfonso Vierya, Adrian Gonzalez, Dyah Davis and Brock Cato will travel from Manchester to complete an eight-fight card.