BOXING legend Ricky Hatton has given his backing to Newport’s Buckland brothers as they prepare to feature on the same bill next week.

Gary Buckland makes the first defence of his British super-featherweight title against dangerous Yorkshireman Paul Truscott at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge Arena on Saturday, March 24.

And his younger brother Mitchell, who trains with Gary at Newport’s St Josephs gym, will be making his professional debut on the same bill.

Former world champion Hatton, who has turned his hand to promoting since retiring from the ring, is sure that the brothers both have a big future.

“Knowing how proud it was for me to box on the same bill as my brother it will be a massive night for the Buckland family,” Hatton told the Argus.

“Hopefully Mitchell can follow in the footsteps of Gary and also make the family equally as proud. Like I said it will be a big fight night for the Buckland family and I wish them every success.

“We could be seeing the start of another special talent.”

Mitchell, aged 19, won three Welsh schoolboy championships, three Welsh youth titles and had a hat-trick of triumphs in the British youth championships as an amateur.

The southpaw will box at lightweight. He will be managed by Brian Powell and trained by Tony Borg.

Powell said: “Everybody in the camp is excited about Gary’s big fight in Sheffield but Mitchell’s debut is giving us just as much of a buzz.

“He really is one for the future, but if fans think he is a younger version of Gary they’re in for a surprise.

“Gary loves a brawl, but Mitchell has fast hands and is a really smart boxer. His debut adds to what will be a great night in Sheffield.”

Sky Sports will be televising the card live and the boxing starts at 6.15pm.

The remaining few tickets are priced at £35 general admission, £55 floor seating, £75 ringside and £100 VIP ringside.

They are available from the Hatton Box Office on 01925 755 222 online at hattonboxing.com or from Powell on 07821 004684.