By Shaun Campbell: European welterweight champion Matthew Hatton is set to take on former WBA world title challenger Yuri Nuzhnenko on July 16th in Hatton’s first defence of his European crown. Hatton (39-4-2 15 KOs) who won the belt with a convincing win over Gianluca Branco, is looking at a possible rematch with Lovemore N’Dou after the pair fought to a draw last year. However, “Magic” Matthew will be looking at other big names should he successfully defend his title against Nuzhnenko.

Paulie Malignaggi on the other hand, is not in such a privileged position where he can start calling out big names as he has often done in the past. Coming off a loss to WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan, Malignaggi has decided against retiring and stated he will move up to welterweight and “look to go the European route”. As seen in his performances against Khan and Ricky Hatton, it is unlikely that at the age of 29 Malignaggi will fight for a world title again. Malignaggi was out-classed by the Brits in 2008 by Hatton and 2010 by Khan. Having said that, the “magic man” is far from a washed up fighter.

A possible match up between Hatton and Malignaggi would be big in the UK, and Malignaggi has previously expressed his joy at fighting in the UK before. Malignaggi and Matthew Hatton both fought on the undercard of brother Ricky’s homecoming against Juan Lazcano in 2008. Malignaggi beat Lovemore N’Dou that night, but Hatton lost a decision to current commonwealth light-middleweight champion Craig Watson. Since then, Hatton has changed trainer and adopted a new style of boxing that has seen him become European champion and beat tough opponents.

It is likely that Paulie will fight in Italy next after taking a short break in what he is calling his “comeback” fight. It is still unclear who he will fight but it is possible that Hatton and Malignaggi could meet in the future, as they are both now fighting at the same weight, and both fighting to become top of the division in Europe. There has been no talk yet of a match-up between the two but it is a possibility and could prove to be an intriguing bout. It would be Hatton’s toughest test of his career but there’s no doubt that he should go into the fight believing he can win. As for Malignaggi, he would have to be victorious or it is likely the brash, out going, Italian-American will hang up his gloves for good.