Newly-crowned IBF world bantamweight champion Paul Butler can become a superstar, according to Ricky Hatton.
Butler dethroned Stuart Hall to become Ellesmere Port’s first world champion, and Hatton has tipped the 25-year-old to go on and achieve the same level of success as the Hitman.
Hatton said: “I think Paul Butler can become a household name.
“He's achieved his dreams of becoming a world champion and he's done it in rapid quick time.
“It's a testimony to his ability that he's been able to win a world title in such a short space of time.”
Butler took the decision to step up from super-flyweight in his bid to win a world title and must now decide his next move.
One option could be a unification scrap with WBA bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell.
Both men are keen for the fight to happen, but boxing politics could interfere.
Butler’s promoter Frank Warren has made an offer to McDonnell’s manager Dennis Hobson but rival promoter Eddie Hearn now claims to represent the 28-year-old from Doncaster.
Hatton reckons Butler, who won a world title after only 16 fights as a professional, must take his time and ensure he makes the right move.
He said: “I've followed him from day one and I always thought he'd win a world title but never thought he'd win one this quick, but that's why the next move has to be correct.
“And no ifs or buts, he's in the best possible hands in Frank Warren to lead his career in the right way.”
Butler insists has no qualms about facing McDonnell but it remains possible he could drop back down to super-flyweight, with his stock now higher than ever.
Butler said: “I'll sit down with my promoter Frank Warren and my team and decide where we go.
“Knowing that I could win the world title in only my 16th fight is a huge confidence booster, there's plenty of things I learnt and need to improve on, but I'll just get better and better.
“That was the best night of my life, unbelievable, something I'll always remember.
“To win the world title was my dream since I was an 11-year-old amateur first walking into the gym and putting on the gloves and it still hasn't sunk in that I've finally achieved it, and it won't do for a while.”
Hearn promoted the blockbuster fight between Carl Froch and George Groves at Wembley and has offered £200,000 for Butler to fight McDonnell.
“If they want to beat that then I am happy for Jamie to fight on one of their shows but I’m not interested in games and nor is Jamie,” said Hearn.
