Rising Bristol boxing star Danny Butler is to join forces with Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton in his bid to hit the big-time.

British Masters super middleweight champion Butler is set to sign a deal with Hatton Promotions before the end of the year.

And that is likely to pave the way for the 21-year-old Bristolian to appear on a massive show at Wembley Stadium in 2009.

Hatton beat American Paulie Malignaggi into 11th round submission to successfully defend his IBO light welterweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday and is now setting his sights on meeting the winner of the December 6 dust-up between four-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao and fight legend Oscar De La Hoya.

That match-up is expected to be staged in this country with the new Wembley and Cardiff's Millennium Stadium already mentioned as potential venues. And Butler will almost certainly be included in any big show undercard if, as expected, he agrees to be promoted by The Hitman and his father, Ray.

Former women's world champion Jane Couch currently promotes Butler and believes a switch to the Hatton camp will only benefit an exciting prospect.

Couch confirmed: "We're currently in talks with Ricky and his people with a view to Danny signing for Hatton Promotions.

"They want him, he needs them and it's a move that makes sense at this stage of his career."

Butler enjoyed his first real taste of the big-time when taking part in last weekend's Prizefighters Middleweight Series at London's famous York Hall arena.

Although he lost on a split decision in the semi-finals to eventual tournament winner Martin Murray, the Bristolian says the experience has made him hungry for more big fights.

"It will be difficult going back to fighting in small venues in front of small crowds after this," admitted Butler, who has registered 14 wins with just one defeat since joining the paid ranks at the age of 18.

"It's definitely whetted my appetite and, now I've tasted the big time, I want more of it."

Butler is expected to sign a deal before he appears as the main event on a Hatton Promotions bill at Bristol's city centre Marriott Hotel on Saturday, December 20.

Kingswood's Pete Leworthy will feature on the Bristol undercard.

A few tickets are still on sale and can be booked by calling 07525 842902.