World champion Ricky Hatton has vowed to help Bristol's Danny Butler conquer Britain, writes Andy Stockhausen.

IBO light welterweight king Hatton will be in Butler's corner tonight when he meets Paignton's Carl Drake for the vacant Western Area middleweight title at the Marriott Hotel in Old Market.

And the 'Hitman' believes victory for the 21-year-old Bristolian will serve as a crucial stepping stone en route to a shot at the coveted Lonsdale Belt.

Victorious in 15 of his 16 paid outings to date – his only defeat came against eventual winner Martin Murray in the Prizefighter series in November – and ranked 19th in middleweight division, Butler is being steered towards a future shot at the British championship, currently held by Wayne Elcock.

Hatton is taking time out from training ahead of his multi-million pound winner-takes-all showdown with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2 to don his promoter's hat and stage his second professional show in Bristol inside three months.

And he believes rising star Butler has the qualities required to conquer the domestic scene.

"Danny has great potential and is improving with every fight," said Hatton, who watched the Bristolian's last fight, a six round points success over Tony Randell at the Marriott Hotel in December.

"He's still learning the ropes but he definitely has the ability to go a lot further in boxing.

"The important thing is to have the right attitude, be dedicated and give everything you have in training. Danny has all of those qualities and has the right people around him.

"Jane Couch and Tex Woodward have done a very good job with him and now I want to help him take the next step."

He added: "His only defeat came against a very good fighter in Martin Murray and there is definitely no disgrace in that. Danny has time on his side and will get better."

Butler can only benefit from campaigning under the Hatton Promotions banner and could possibly feature on the MGM Casino undercard in Vegas on May 2.

Hatton added: "Danny needs to be looked after properly and given the right fights at the right time.

"Remember, I've been there myself and I know how important it is to be matched properly while you're still learning.

"Providing he continues to progress as he is, I can see him fighting for the British title in the next year to 18 months. My team will give him the opportunity and it's up to him to take it."

Victory over previous victim Drake – the Bristolian won narrowly on points when the pair met in September 2007 – Butler will further improve his domestic ranking if he wins a contest scheduled for 10 rounds.

But his opponent still maintains he was on the wrong end of a poor decision 18 months ago and claims the pair have unfinished business.

"Drake has a point to prove and he's coming to win – it should be a real war," declared Butler.