RICKY Hatton has said he will not be fighting Newbridge WBA light-welterweight champion Gavin Rees.

Rees told the Argus last month that he would love to take on Hatton, who lost for the first time in his career against Floyd Mayweather in December.

There was speculation at the weekend that a fight had been sealed in Manchester but Hatton's father and manager Ray has revealed that the terms of the fight did not suit the 29-year-old.

"The prospect of a fight with Rees was put to us but the terms were not right and it won't be taking place," he said. "We have a long list of would-be opponents and a long list of venues.

"Ricky has said his next fight will be in Britain as a thank you to his fans who have been travelling across the Atlantic."