It's been said that it's many times easier to make yourself a million dollars in America than put a phrase into the American conscious. If that phrase happens to be a name, then it won't be any easier. And if the name is that of a Jr. Welterweight boxer, then you've really got your work cut out for you.

Some might credit the drought of any big fights in the divided heavyweight class as the only reason the little guys have been getting so much attention from boxing fans as of late. You could also make the case that 'Pretty Boy' Floyd Mayweather turns everything he touches to gold. That it's simply Mayweather's belt at the light welterweight division that keeps everyone interested in any opponent who wouldn't be exhibition fodder for him. Well, all of this is probably true, but that doesn't mean Ricky "The Hitman Hatton" couldn't make a name for himself without these factors. And a big name at that.

Hatton exploded into the consciousness of boxing fans by de-throning an exhausted Kostya Tszyu in his hometown of Manchester, England. Even though Tszyu had a reputation for taking glee in destroying fighters with the home-field advantage, the motivation to overcome Hatton's wildly enthusiastic fans was not enough. During the actual fight Tszyu quit on his stool right before the twelfth and final round, when most observers believed he had a good chance at retaining his belt if he'd stuck it out and let it go to scorecards. It wasn't that Tszyu wasn't fighting back, but moreso that by the end Hatton seemed game to fight another twelve rounds while Tszyu's life was flashing before his eyes.

Suffice it to say that Hatton is to the UK as Aturo Gatti is to NJ. In fact, the comparison goes beyond popularity. Their styles are so similar that speculation of Hatton making his American debut against Gatti seemed likely until a week ago when Gatti pulled off a career-sustaining TKO over Thomas Damgaard. Of course this means that Hatton's two most logical (and popular American) opponents, Mayweather and Gatti, have now moved up to welterweight.

So why bet on Hatton as a household name?

Hatton is a brawler - the kind that American fans love, but he's also more effective (not to mention younger) than Gatti. He wins belts and he's already gone on record saying that his goal is to unify all the belts. Right now there are no undisputed champions in the entire sport. The only thing that even came close in recent memory is when Jermain Taylor hijacked Bernard Hopkins' belts in one convenient package - of course he had to relinquish the IBF title to defend the others against Hopkins for their 2nd meeting. Point is, even the most casual fight fans take notice at the word "undisputed".

Hatton's belt goal means that Hatton vs Mayweather will happen come hell or high water. It's just a matter of time. Even with Mayweather one step above Hatton in weight class, he's still anchored by the belt he took (ironically, from Gatti) at light welter. Mayweather's pride won't let him simply hand the belt over to (or let it go vacant in the face of) his most game challenger just because he wants to build a career at welter or because the money isn't "right" for him. Hell, the money is almost always wrong for Mayweather. Against Hatton you pretty much have to play the bad guy and Mayweather thoroughly enjoys doing so.

Hatton's 'speak softly and carry a big fist' personality has most of the UK feeling like he's a drinking buddy who could be waiting at their local pub at any moment. He's a family man who can honestly be labeled modest in a sport where even the most respectful champions are larger than life. And inescapably : he is a white guy who can fight. While it's certainly questionable as to what kind of an audience that brings in, there's no question that the crowds swells a bit.

Hatton had promised to reveal his next opponent more than a week ago. The deadline having come and gone, most boxing fans are kept on the edge right now. In a year or two it might be most of the world kept in anticipation, waiting to hear Hatton's next opponent.