Hatton Punishes Malignaggi, Retains IBO and Ring Magazine Belts

Ricky Hatton of Manchester, England pummeled Paulie Malignaggi in their welterweight title bout last November 23 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Hatton, whose record now stands at 45-1 with 32 knockouts, did not manage to floor the challenger from New York, but intense beating staggered and shook the Malignaggi several times.

Malignaggi’s excessive hugging kept the challenger from kissing the canvas. In the end, Malignaggi’s corner waved the white flag in the 11^th round, stating Malignaggi’s incapability “to put up a fight” as the main reason. Though Malignaggi disagreed with his team’s decision, it was visibly clear Hatton dominated the fight from start to finish.

With the win, Hatton now eyes the winner of the De La Hoya-Pacquiao fight as his next opponent, but added both fighters in the Dream Match are quality boxers and he is willing to fight either De La Hoya or Pacquiao. Hatton also revealed he wants the fight to be held at Manchester, England.