FORMER world champion Ricky Hatton has backed his protégé Scott Quigg to take Jason Booth’s British super-bantamweight title when the two clash in Bolton on October 22.

Bury brawler Quigg faces a tough task when he tackles wily veteran Booth, but Hatton, who promotes the 22-year-old local lad, believes his charge has what it takes to continue his rapid development.

“There is something special about the Lonsdale belt,” said Hatton. “All homegrown fighters dream of becoming the champion of Britain and winning the Lonsdale belt.

“I know what the belt meant to me when I beat Jon Thaxton way back in October 2000.

“Jason Booth is a clever and experienced fighter, who has done British boxing proud. This will be a tough fight but I do feel it’s now time for the torch to be passed on to Scott.

“I believe the belt will be changing hands and Scott will bring the British belt back to Bury.”

Hatton is under no illusions about the task facing Quigg, with Nottingham-based Booth being told by his own promoter that he is drinking in the last-chance saloon.

“There has been some great contests for a British title,” said Hatton. “Most recently Gary Buckland against Gary Sykes was a brilliant fight.

“I have no doubt we will be seeing another great fight for a British championship and, for Scott, this is the most important fight of his career.”

Quigg faces Booth at Bolton Arena, and tickets can be purchased from www.frankmaloney.com