Magic Man ready for Hatton

Malignaggi expected to shrug off injury in time to face the Hitman

Last updated: 28th May 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Magic Man ready for Hatton

Malignaggi: Fit and ready

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IBF light welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi should be fit for a potential autumn showdown with Ricky Hatton despite fracturing his hand on Saturday.

Malingnaggi sustained the injury during his split-decision win over Lovemore N'Dou at the City of Manchester Stadium on the undercard to Hatton's title defence against Juan Lazcano.

The Magic Man's injury was confirmed after an examination by hand specialist Steven Margles at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington, Massachusetts, and promoter Lou Di Bella believes the setback won't prevent a title bout with Hatton later in the year.

"I spoke with Dr. Margles after he examined Paulie and the prognosis is good," DiBella said.

"This should not affect Paulie's big fight this fall against Ricky Hatton in any way."

Malignaggi improved to 25-1 with five knockouts with his less than impressive victory on Saturday and is now the front runner to fight the Hitman in the fall.