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IBF light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton is to join forces with Sheffield promoter Dennis Hobson, BBC Radio Sheffield reported on Tuesday.
Frank Warren, who promoted Hatton's most recent bouts, has started legal proceedings against the boxer after his camp said he had become a free agent.
But Hobson said: "We are going to be making an announcement early next week.
"It could be really exciting. There is still a way to go yet, but it could be exciting for Sheffield."
Warren claims he has a three-fight deal with Hatton, but Hatton says there is nothing tying him to the promoter.
I would have expected him to sign with a big American promoter in order to secure the big fights
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"I have never had a cross word with Ricky nor even with his father Ray," said Warren.
"But sadly I now feel I have been left with no other choice."
Warren's company Sports Network added: "With great sadness and regret, Sports Network Ltd has today commenced proceedings in the High Court for an order restraining Ricky Hatton from breaching his promotional agreement with Frank Warren."
Hatton's father Ray says his son's contract with Warren expired after his world title win over Kostya Tszyu in June.
"We feel bitterly let down by Frank Warren, in numerous ways," he said. "We feel that we're being maligned as though we've done something wrong, as though we've lied. We haven't lied.
"If you had a written agreement with Ricky Hatton for three fights, why has it not been produced? Why are we going through all this?
"Why are we dragging all the dirty washing out - and believe me there is a lot, lot more to come?
"Personally we like Frank, but Frank has disappointed us."
Frank Warren, who promoted Hatton's most recent bouts, has started legal proceedings against the boxer after his camp said he had become a free agent.
But Hobson said: "We are going to be making an announcement early next week.
"It could be really exciting. There is still a way to go yet, but it could be exciting for Sheffield."
Warren claims he has a three-fight deal with Hatton, but Hatton says there is nothing tying him to the promoter.
I would have expected him to sign with a big American promoter in order to secure the big fights
From TW
Have your say on Five Live
"I have never had a cross word with Ricky nor even with his father Ray," said Warren.
"But sadly I now feel I have been left with no other choice."
Warren's company Sports Network added: "With great sadness and regret, Sports Network Ltd has today commenced proceedings in the High Court for an order restraining Ricky Hatton from breaching his promotional agreement with Frank Warren."
Hatton's father Ray says his son's contract with Warren expired after his world title win over Kostya Tszyu in June.
"We feel bitterly let down by Frank Warren, in numerous ways," he said. "We feel that we're being maligned as though we've done something wrong, as though we've lied. We haven't lied.
"If you had a written agreement with Ricky Hatton for three fights, why has it not been produced? Why are we going through all this?
"Why are we dragging all the dirty washing out - and believe me there is a lot, lot more to come?
"Personally we like Frank, but Frank has disappointed us."
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