Gervonta Davis has warned rising star Campbell Hatton he would be "eating through a straw" if the pair crossed paths.

British star Hatton is looking to follow in the footsteps of his famous father Ricky who reigned as a world champion and is one of the most popular fighters in British boxing history. The 21-year-old returned to the ring for his ninth professional fight at the weekend and scored a quick-fire KO victory over Denis Bartos, with a booming left hook to the body ending the contest in the opening round.

Hatton is competing in a stacked lightweight division, which could see him thrust into some big fights in the future if he reaches world level. This could include the likes of Ryan Garcia, Vasyl Lomachenko and Floyd Mayweather's protege Davis, who currently holds the WBA 'regular' title.

Fans began discussing who would win if Hatton touched gloves with Davis next year, which saw the American tweet: “He’ll be at dinner [with] his pops the next night eating his food through a straw.” The post was later deleted by 'Tank' in trademark fashion, but delivered the savage message that he feels he is levels above the young star.

Davis' mentor Mayweather previously fought Hatton's dad Ricky during the prime of their careers, which saw the undefeated American stop the Brit in the tenth round of their Las Vegas clash in 2007. The British legend took huge support across the pond and felt unlucky to not have been able to last the distance at the MGM Grand.

Davis, meanwhile, could finally settle his rivalry with Garcia next year as negotiations continue. A win for 'Tank' could finally see him move on and attempt to enforce a challenge against current undisputed 135lb champion Devin Haney.

Hatton, meanwhile, has now had nine fights since signing with Matchroom Boxing, and will be looking to progress in level after having a four-fight year. Many questioned the quality of his most recent opponent who quickly folded after the heavy shot and was unable to continue.

But 'Hurricane' has insisted he wanted to showcase more of his skills on the big stage in Abu Dhabi. He said: “I’m not moaning, but I didn’t get to show as much as I’d have liked to. I think even though I got the stoppage, I’m not going to get carried away with it because the challenges are going to get a lot harder.

"But I think if I’d have gone in the old way, it would have been a much more scrappy stoppage and, like I said in the press conference, a stoppage wouldn’t have been enough it’s got to be a thoughtful one, and I think that’s what it was. I picked my punches instead of bulldozing him down to the floor."