Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton VS. Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi
Date: 2008-11-01 15:01:10
Source: http://www.britishboxing.net/news_3676-De-La-Hoya-...
Submitted By: Boxing Dump
It's official: Ring magazine light-welterweight champion Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton will square off against IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi at The MGM Grand, Las Vegas on November 22nd. The fight was confirmed by Golden Boy Promotions, and both fighters are looking forward to the big 140-pound clash. Hatton will be returning to the MGM Grand for the first time since his loss - the only one of his career - to the now retired Floyd Mayweather Junior. Malignaggi will be having his very first fight in Las Vegas. "I am looking forward to fighting again at The MGM Grand and challenging Malignaggi for his title," Hatton said. "Las Vegas is like a second home to me. The fans treat me like gold and I promise them another exciting value for money fight." And while "The Magic Man" would have preferred the fight to have taken place at the legendary venue that is Madison Square Garden in his native New York, Malignaggi, too, is massively excited about the upcoming fight. "I am thrilled to be involved in the biggest 140-pound fight of 2008," Paulie said. "This will be my first fight in Las Vegas, which makes it all the more exciting. Las Vegas' nickname is the "City of Lights," so it is only fitting that on November 22nd 2008 The Magic Man will be lighting The Hitman up all over the MGM Grand Garden Arena." This fight will also be a first for Ricky. Having parted company with long-time and trusted trainer Billy Graham, it remains to be seen if this will affect Hatton's performance against the flashy Malignaggi at all. Hopefully, whatever the case with this issue, the fight will be a good, fan-friendly affair. Fighter-promoter Oscar De La Hoya believes it will be. "Hatton is an aggressive puncher who swarms his opponents from start to finish, while Malignaggi is one of the purest boxers in the game today," De La Hoya said. "As a fan, I am excited to see if Hatton can lure Malignaggi into a brawl or if Malignaggi can dictate the tempo and make the fight his. No matter what happens, I think when their styles collide, it's going to make for great action and great drama."