Chris Male makes statement to Hatton

Punching postman Chris Male is ready for the best of British after extending his unbeaten record in Wigan.

Male was punch perfect in his three-round retirement win over Dougie Curran at Robin Park Sports Centre in their featherweight clash and hopes his 11^th straight win will lead to a promotional deal with Ricky Hatton's promotional company.

Hatton put on the show in Wigan and Male is convinced he can bring belts to 'the Hitman's' stable.

The 28-year-old from Cradley said: "I feel I am the best featherweight in Britain and I want the chance to prove it.

"I'm getting stronger with every fight and will fight anybody out there.

"The better the opponent, the better I will box."

Male has been paired by the British Boxing Board of Control with unbeaten Joe Murray for the vacant English belt and the unbeaten Mancunian was also in action in Wigan.

Murray posted a points win over tough-as-they-come Scot James Ancliff and Male said: "I will fight him or anyone else."

Manager Errol Johnson afterwards asked the Hatton camp to make the fight.

Male has had back-to-back inside the distance wins since returning after eight months out with a broken hand and thanked his training team led by Shaun Cooper for their work with him.

'The Male Man' said: "It's been so tough in the gym but all the hard work is paying off."

Male, the British Masters featherweight champion, looks ready to step up a level after his latest win.

Two weeks earlier, Curran had gone the 10-round distance with 'Tipton Slasher' Lee Glover for the International Masters featherweight championship at Walsall Town Hall.

After three rounds in the ring with Male, his right eye was swollen shut and his nose badly bloodied.

Curran did take the fight with Male at only two days' notice but, over the four-round distance in particular, he is a danger man.

The Scot overwhelmed top 10 rated Davey Savage in February with his non-stop attacks and, at the bell at Robin Park Leisure Centre, he was straight on the front foot pumping punches at Male.

Male stood his ground, slipping and blocking his blows and replying with lightning counters.

Midway through the opener, Male drew Curran onto a solid left uppercut and, within seconds, a swelling appeared on the Scot's right cheek.

His razor-sharp counters bloodied Curran's nose in the second and in the third, he went on the front foot more and put together three and four-punch combinations.

At the bell, Curran shook his head as he went back to his corner and then signalled his surrender.

Male said: "I knew he was a tough lad and expected a distance fight, but the shots busted his face up.

"I knew he wouldn't be able to take them for long."

By Matt Bozeat