It's viva Las Vegas for boxers

Two Black Country boxers have been given the chance of a lifetime after being booked to fight in the slipstream of Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas.

Wolverhampton's Dean Harrison, pictured, and Martin Gethin, from Walsall, will box on the famed strip on December 7, the day before "Hitman" Hatton meets Floyd Mayweather in the one of richest fights in boxing history.

Bricklayer Harrison and Gethin, who are light-welterweights (10 stone), are likely to box Mexican opponents over six or eight rounds at the MGM Grand Hotel in the small hours of December 8, UK time.

Just 3,000 tickets are available for English fans for the Hatton fight, so this extra show has been arranged to cater for the 30,000 supporters expected to descend on the glamour capital of the United States.

The dream chance came because two fighters were needed for the extra show, and Harrison was the first name put forward after impressing training at the Hattons' gym in Manchester recently.

Wednesbury-based trainer Errol Johnson, who looks after both fighters, said: "It's a really good opportunity for us all and if things go well over there, things could take off because we hope to build a relationship with the Americans.

"It means a lot to achieve it this early in their careers. It's what they aspire to and it will be the biggest night of their lives."

Harrison and Gethin have made a big impression since bursting on the scene on the professional circuit last year.

Former Midlands amateur champion Harrison, 24, has won all nine of his paid fights. Gethin, 23, is Midlands lightweight champion and former holder of the British Masters title at light-welter who has won 10 and drew one of his 11 outings.

The pair fight for First Team, whose promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson said: "We're grateful for this opportunity for two of our brightest hopes to be fighting in Las Vegas .

"Both lads are the brightest 10-stone boxers in the Midlands and they have a huge chance to make a name for themselves on this international stage in America.

"Dean can make more waves with the boxing world watching. Martin has an all-action style that will endear him to the US fight public."