Skip to main content

Paulie Malignaggi refutes Ricky Hatton claims, remains optimistic

Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBA champion clarifies ‘Hitman’ position

A report in a UK national newspaper was way off the mark in stating that a November match-up between Paulie Malignaggi and Ricky Hatton was ‘almost certain’ and the 'Magic Man' has spoken to WBN to reiterate his position on the matter.

Malignaggi has branded the information printed in yesterday’s Daily Star article untrue as ironically, his first defence of the WBA welterweight belt he won in Ukraine last April was announced the same day by promoters Golden Boy.

“Everyone knows you can't fight back to back fights,” Malignaggi told World Boxing News.

“I am fighting October 20th, so how can I fight in November?  It wouldn't work out - but I hope the rumours are true for Hatton coming back.”

The 31 year-old also denied that a potential offer to fight Hatton later this year would have any bearing on him facing challenger Pablo Cesar Cano at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York as scheduled.

“I am already signed to fight Cano and that's who I am training for now. He is a dangerous fighter and I am not looking past him. If I don't beat him, there is no (possible) Hatton,” he stated.

“Nothing (can happen with Hatton) as of right now, I have to focus on Cano first. He’s in front of me right now and that's what I have to handle on October 20th.”

The New Yorker revealed to WBN that he is as in the dark as the rest of the boxing world on whether Hatton is planning to reignite his career, but remains enthusiastic about the possibility of avenging his eleventh round loss in 2008.

“I don't know (if Hatton will fight again), I hope he does, he is a great fighter and it would be big for boxing if he came back.

“It would be an honour (if the fight happened), that is one fight that doesn't sit well with me so I would like to revenge that loss. Ricky is a great fighter he won fair and square, but like any fighter I would like a rematch.”

On whether Malignaggi would be willing to return to England for the fight, he replied: “I would like my soil, then a third fight in England.”

Hatton, 33, is yet to comment himself on the possibility of him lacing up his gloves for a 48th professional fight, although his team have declared on more than occasion that the Mancunian is just keeping himself in shape and getting healthy....I guess only time will tell.

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

WBN Remembers: "Gypsy Boy" Ernie Smith

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor  (picure by boxrec.com)  After almost a year and a half without one of boxing’s great journeymen, World Boxing News is looking back at the 161-fight career of Worcestershire warrior Ernie Smith, concentrating on his contribution in the ring, rather than the tragic way his life ended out of it. Smith turned professional at super-featherweight in 1998 at the Park Hall Hotel in Wolverhampton, losing a six rounder against Welshman Woody Greenaway.  One month later, Ernie was thrown in with an unknown prospect by the name of Gavin Rees (former world champion and current British Lightweight Champion) who he also took the distance over four rounds. The “Gypsy Boy” then managed to string together a four fight unbeaten run together in early 1999 and ended the year winning five out of his twelve contests, but by this time had already delved into the journeyman pool of boxers with a record of 5-8-1. After settling at the welterweight limit, Ernie ga...
Read more

BBC make Luke Campbell mum and sister death gaffe

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Picture from the BBC  Gabby Logan announces wrong family tragedy The BBC made a major mistake on the final showing of their Olympics Tonight show as host Gabby Logan sparked an anxious quizzing by boxer Luke Campbell’s fans as they announced the ‘loss’ of his mother and sister at a young age. Campbell, 24, took the gold medal in the men’s bantamweight final earlier in the day and was then congratulated by Logan, who announced his victory as a triumph over adversity after the Hull fighter suffered the tragedy six years ago. Unbeknown to presenter Logan, it was Welshman Freddie Evans, who also boxes in an Olympic final tomorrow, who suffered the tragedy as he lost his mother Tracy and sister Scarlett in a car accident in 2006. Fans of Olympic champion Campbell and boxing in general, immediately began handing out sympathy to the boxer after believing what was announced to be true. Logan, after an outcry on social networking websi...
Read more

Ashley Theophane talks US return, Ricky Burns sparring and future fights

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Treasure’ training for August 24 return Former British light-welterweight champion Ashley Theophane is aiming to put the disappointment of his loss to Darren Hamilton behind him when he makes his comeback in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 24. The 31 year-old, who has fought some of the top fighters between 140 and 154lbs, planned to take 18 months out of chasing his world title dream to win a British Lonsdale belt outright and just fell short with points defeat to Hamilton in May after making two defences. The Londoner is now returning to the US to re-establish his headline status on American soil. He fights for the 38th time in his career against an opponent yet to be named at NC Music Factory’s Reelworks Studios and is currently preparing to get back to winning ways. “Training has gone well for this fight. I've been in the gym for nearly nine weeks so I'm in great shape and ready to go,” Theophane told World Boxing News. ...
Read more