IBF champion Kostya Tszyu is the ultimate target for Hatton, who incensed Oliveira by describing their bout as a “warm-up” before hopefully taking on the 10st division’s top dog.

“I’ve never been a tune-up for anybody, never mind this English kid,” declared Oliveira, whose 47-9-2 record includes a points win over Vivian Harris, the only defeat of the current WBA champion’s career.

“Hatton will find out on December 11 for himself. He’s going to be professor Oliveira’s student. I can’t wait. I’m going to school Ricky Hatton like I did Vivian Harris!

“I just hope he keeps preparing for this as a tune-up fight. He keeps looking ahead to Tszyu and that’s fine with me.

“I know, I’m old, slowing down, and can’t hurt anybody. Hey, Hatton’s going to be in for the surprise of his life if he believes any of that.”

Oliveira, 36, has mixed in good company throughout his 14 years in the paid ranks, beating former world title holder Vince Phillips and taking top performers such as Vernon Forrest and Ben Tackie the distance.

“Nobody’s ever stopped me and only two men have ever floored me,” Oliveira told www.fightnews.com. “I’ve seen everything in the ring and my experience is going to be the difference.

“I read where he said he’s going to keep me running the whole fight. I hope so because I fight my best backing up.

“I’m going to box him, throw a lot of punches, like I’m known for. Now, though, my punches have more power behind them.”