Paulie Malignaggi is ready to return to hell to defeat Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas in November.
Malignaggi insists he has what it takes to defeat Hatton
Paulie Malignaggi is ready to return to hell to defeat Ricky Hatton in their huge light-welterweight showdown in Las Vegas in November.
Watch Hatton v Malignaggi on Sky Box Office on November 22
Hatton returns to the scene of his only defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jr at the MGM Grand to take on IBF light-welterweight champion Malignaggi, live on Sky Box Office, on November 22.
The eagerly-anticipated clash between the two best light-welterweights around promises to be a cracker, with the contrasting style of Hatton's bulldozing approach and the flashy Malignaggi.
The New Yorker says he will come out on top though in a fight that will bring the best out of both men.
"You're going to see the best of Paulie Malignaggi," he says in the latest edition of the
Sky Sports Magazine.
Best
"Make no mistake about that. This fight will bring out the best in both of us but it's going to be my night."
'Magic Man' Malignaggi did not live up to his name as a broken hand and a shocking new hairstyle combined against him in his last fight against Lovemore N'Dou on the undercard of Hatton's homecoming in Manchester.
"Obviously the fight was not the way I planned it," the brash-talking American continued.
"There were problems that stopped me, but this time people will see what I can do."
Fast hands and an elusive mover, many have questioned Malignaggi's power, but he insists he has the tools to do the job - which includes the heart to win a battle against crowd favourite Hatton.
"People say I don't punch hard but I say: 'Get in the ring with me and see if it hurts.'"
Experience
"I have the experience to beat Hatton. I've been on the big stage. I fought Miguel Cotto in Madison Square Garden on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day parade - it was like fighting the devil in hell.
"I've won a world title since then so I have the motivation and experience.
"The Brits come to Vegas in great numbers and make a lot of noise but it won't bother me.
"Like I said, I've been in hell with the devil and I have no problem going back there if I have too."
Citing Prince Naseem Hamed as a big influence on his flamboyant style, Malignaggi says that he took up boxing at aged 16 as a result of some personal problems.
"I was having some trouble at home. I just needed to find some guidance in my life.
"My grandfather and my uncle took me to the gym. I was kinda wild, they thought that boxing would teach me a lesson but I don't think in their wildest dreams they could imagine the success I would have."
