Ricky Hatton believes the sky is the limit for local hero Danny Butler.

Staging a dinner show under the Hatton Promotions banner in Bristol for the first time, the world light welterweight king was at ringside to see Butler out-smart Tony Randall on Saturday night.

And after watching the British Masters super middleweight boss claim victory over six gruelling rounds at the city centre Marriott Hotel, the 'Hitman' predicted a bright future for the 21-year-old Bristolian, who has now won 15 of his 16 paid outings since turning professional three years ago.

Hatton said: "Danny can achieve anything he wants to in boxing, providing he wants it enough.

"He has all the skills, a lot of heart and determination and a very good team around him. It's still early days for him and he's on a learning curve, but he's coming on in leaps and bounds and can definitely go a lot higher.

"Danny reminds me of myself at that age – he's hungry and wants it so badly. If he remains dedicated to his training and refuses to let anything else get in the way, he can become a champion in the future."

And Hatton, who has agreed a deal to fight Filipino Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2 next year, intends being a part of Butler's future.

A close friend of Bristol-based promoter and former womens' world champion Jane Couch, Hatton has forged close links with Tex Woodward's Spaniorum Farm stable and plans to promote their boxers again.

He said: "Jane has done a brilliant job supporting local fighters in Bristol and I want to continue helping her.

"I thought the show went really well and all the fights were competitive. We'll be back to put another one in the new year."

Having wowed a mesmerised audience with a brilliant hour-long after dinner speech, Hatton allowed Butler to take centre stage. And the Prizefighter semi-finalist did not disappoint, delivering a typically workaholic performance to out-score Birmingham-based puncher Randall.

The Midlander had promised to knock out the Bristolian in the second round and spent much of the fight looking to land a big punch. But Butler's defence and footwork proved up to the task and his ability to throw crisp combinations and land the more meaningful punches helped him.

It proved a successful night for Spaniorum fighters, fellow Bristolian Pete Leworthy producing his most impressive display to date in beating Shaun Walton over six two minute rounds to register his third straight win as a professional.

Kingswood-based Leworthy appeared calm and relaxed as he worked behind a persistent jab to put early rounds in the bank.

But the super featherweight prospect also demonstrated a big heart to fight back when his more experienced opponent put him under pressure during the latter rounds and he warranted the 59-55 verdict.

New Hatton signing Alfonso Vieyra announced himself with a hard-fought debut victory over Walsall's Steve Geffin in a four round super featherweight contest.

Geffin used his height and reach advantage to good effect to cause the Manchester-based American problems and was unfortunate to lose 39-38.