Matthew Hatton admits he is taking a gamble in accepting European welterweight title fight, but believes it is worth the risk.

The 28-year-old younger brother of Ricky will face veteran Gianluca Branco for the vacant belt on March 26 in Dagenham, less than a month after stopping Mikheil Khutsishvili.

But having controversially drawn with IBO champion Lovemore N'Dou last November, Hatton is determined to take every opportunity available to him.

"Of course it is not ideal and I must beat a brilliant fighter, but I am in decent shape," Hatton told the Manchester Evening News.

"I have everything to gain and nothing to lose. I am certain it will be worth the gamble and I can take the title."