Hatton against Malignaggi would be ‘Magic Man’

By Boxing News - 05/22/2008 - Comments

Brooklyn born IBF light welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi has thrown down the gauntlet and declared himself ready to fight Ricky Hatton. Malignaggi, who makes his British boxing debut this weekend, spoke to Setanta Sports News. He said: “I’m always looking for the big fights, I love big crowds and Ricky’s proved here that he draws in an amazing amount of people to his fights. I would be willing to fight anywhere as long as the money’s right.”

Meanwhile boxing promoter Frank Maloney has dismissed calls for the fight to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York because ‘no fight in America has drawn a 55,000 live gate’.

Speaking alongside Malignaggi on Setanta Sports News Maloney said:

“It’s a great opportunity. Why go to America where Ricky Hatton sells 55,000 seats? If he fights this guy [Malignaggi] here in Britain I think we can sell 60-70,000. You just couldn’t beat that.

“I’m going to try and talk the Hatton’s into staying in Britain. It’s a much better fight. I’m sure this guy would love to come over here and fight because he just loves the razzmatazz. He loves the crowd and is one of the most colourful fighters I’ve met.”

Looking ahead to this Saturday’s title bout there is clearly no love lost between Malignaggi and his opponent Lovemore Ndou, who he faces for the second time in two years. He said:

“The only positive thing about this rematch is that I get to teach this guy a lesson again. I’m going to pick up from round 13 and throw him a thorough beating again.

“This guy says he’s going to knock everybody out but he can’t even punch.

“One things for sure, you can expect him to make plenty of excuses again on Saturday night after I beat him. The guy’s a sore loser you can expect to hear excuses from him. At least now I know his character.”