CRAIG Lyon has joined Martin Murray in teaming up with former world champion turned promoter Ricky Hatton.

The unbeaten bantamweight has signed a two-year contract with Hatton Promotions and is set to make his bow for them on a show at Altrincham on January 15.

Now the two-times former ABA champion is hoping the link-up with such a high-profile character will help catapult him into title contention within the next year.

He said: “Teaming up with Ricky Hatton is a dream come true for me.

“He’s one of my boxing heroes and I’m sure this will help me to get a title fight sooner rather than later. I’m due to make my debut for Ricky on January 15 and although I don't know my opponent yet it will be a step up in class and will probably be an 8 x three-minute rounder.

“I’ve only done six to date but I'm confident I'm ready for this.

“It also helps that Martin and me both train at the same gym and now have the same promoter and, hopefully, we'll be on lots of the same shows in the future. We’re also both sponsored by Trilogy jewellers in St Helens and I’d like to thank them for their support.”