Paulie Malignaggi has warned Ricky Hatton that his reign as the No.1 junior welterweight fighter will be over on November 22.
American confident of toppling Hatton in Vegas
Paulie Malignaggi has warned Ricky Hatton that his reign as the No.1 junior welterweight fighter in the world will be over when the pair meet on November 22.
Watch Hatton v Malignaggi on Sky Box Office
Hatton and Malignaggi both spoke out on Wednesday ahead of their Box Office meeting, and the latter showed no signs of being overawed by the prospect of facing 'The Hitman'.
Indeed, the Manchester fighter will be returning to the scene of one of the most famous fights in recent history as he looks to avenge his knockout defeat to Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas last year.
Hatton was back on winning ways in May when he returned to the ring to see off Juan Lazcano at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Malignaggi was on the undercard of 'Hatton's Homecoming' fight, and he too was victorious as he beat Lovemore Ndou in less than convincing fashion.
It was later revealed that 'Magic Man' had suffered a hairline fracture to his wrist during the bout.
Hatton disposed of Lazcano in front of a partisan Mancunian crowd that evening, and Malignaggi claims he is relishing a similar atmosphere when their pair clash at the MGM Grand.
Electricity
"It's great to be here, (Manchester) I had a wonderful last time with the exception of the hairline fracture in my hand," he said.
"I thought the experience was unbelievable and unique all at the same time. Fighting at a stadium that big in front of all those people.
"The reception was great even though I was booed, and there was an unbelievable electricity in the crowd.
"For somebody like me I always look for reactions in the crowd. I don't like quiet crowds I like loud crowds and it was definitely exciting for me to be part of that event.
"On the same note, by the same token, I like to be on the big stage and to be able to fight Ricky Hatton in the junior welterweight division I don't think there is any bigger stage than that in boxing.
"I don't think there is any bigger name than Ricky Hatton in the junior welterweight division world wide, but I believe I am the best fighter in the junior welterweight division worldwide.
"We will get to prove whose No.1 in the weight class at November 22."
Fantastic fight
Hatton spoke with more respect for his opponent, but also warned Malignaggi that he has a point to prove after his disappointing showing across the pond against Mayweather in December.
"I'm going back to the scene of the crime if you like, the MGM Grand in America, which shows I have no fear and I have the confidence to do so," said Hatton
"The first match back from a defeat is always the hardest and I think I showed my intentions by coming back down to light welterweight division.
"If I'm the number one in the division then Pauli is the number two in the division and you can't get any better then that.
"Needless to say I'm always in a good fight and even though Pauli is known as the boxer and the mover and known for his speed and his boxing ability, Pauli is never in a bad fight as well.
"Normally when it's a clash of styles like this it's a bit of a chess match but I think it's going to be a fantastic fight."
