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Magic Man vacates

Malignaggi gives up the IBF belt

Last updated: 2nd October 2008

Malignaggi: vacated title

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Ricky Hatton will NOT be fighting for his old IBF light-welterweight title.

Paulie Malignaggi has vacated the belt after refusing to grant mandatory challenger Herman Ngoudjo, a rematch.

The Magic Man beat him in January this year but he was installed as number one challenger as the deal to face Hatton was being struck.

For his part, Ngoudjo had agreed to step aside and face the winner of the Sky Box Office showdown on November 22, but with neither boxer willing to guarantee him a shot, his team pushed the IBF to call for a purse bid.

That immediately discounted Malignaggi and left the New Yorker to vacate the belt he took from Lovemore N'Dou in June 2007.

Watch Hatton-Malignaggi on Sky Box Office

It also prevents Hatton going full circle and winning back the belt he won famously against Kostya Tszyu three years ago in a thrilling fight that propelled him into boxing's big time.

His IBO light-welterweight title and the prestigious Ring Magazine title will still be on the line at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas.

Ngoudjo will now face Hatton victim Juan Urango for the vacant IBF strap.