© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Following the conclusion of the “Homecoming” fight between the victorious Ricky Hatton and challenger Juan Lazcano the media gathered for an official post-fight press conference.

First to answer questions from the press were the combatants from the co-feature title bout, Lovemore N’dou and Paulie Malignaggi. Speculation is that Malignaggi could be Ricky Hatton's next opponent having successfully defeated N’dou by split decision. More...

© Curtis McCormick / Saddo Boxing

Another fight on the card that interested Ricky Hatton for more then one reason was the rematch between IBF title holder Paul “The Magic Man” Malignaggi 25-1 (5) and former titlist Lovemore “The Black Panther” N’Dou 46-10-1 (31). Malignaggi who won the title from Lovemore in June of 2007 was ordered to give N’Dou his mandated rematch after allowing him to defend the belt against Herman Ngoudjo in January of this year. More...

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Today, at the Trafford Centre, Manchester, England, crowds of fans lined the ‘Orient’ area of the ‘mall’ to watch the weigh-ins for tomorrow night’s “Homecoming” fight night, promoted by Frank Maloney in association with Punch Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

The weigh-in stage sat below the huge video screen in the food court area. Boxers would be facing the ‘ocean-liner-style’ area, under a simulated starry night-sky where hoards of fans waited for a glimpse of the boxers.

“There’s only one Ricky Hatton,” was played by the Hitman’s ‘Band’ from their balcony position and the crowds join in. Michael Buffer started proceedings in his trademark manner. “Manchester are you ready?” he boomed and when the reply back from the crowds wasn’t loud enough - he repeated it and the excitement around the ‘Orient’ increased. More...

**With Slideshow**

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Yesterday the City of Manchester Stadium, England, played host to the official press conference ahead of Saturday’s ‘Homecoming’ fight night.

Entering the stadium, I stopped by to see how the ‘pitch’ was progressing in preparation for the fight and with just two days to go, the huge structure and canopy that will protect the ring looks near completion. There are more red seats now on the floor area and not a blade of grass is visible under the protective boarding. It is indeed a fantastic sight!

Once inside the boardroom suite, media representatives gathered to await the arrival of boxers, trainers and promoters. On the top table sat Lovemore N’dou, Robert Diaz (Golden Boy), Matthew Hatton, Billy Graham, Ray Hatton, Frank Maloney, Ricky Hatton, Richard Schaeffer (Golden Boy), Juan Lazcano, Ronnie Shields, Paulie Malignaggi, Lou DiBella, Craig Watson and Joe Pennington. More...

The fighters have arrived in Manchester, England for one of the biggest sporting events to hit the United Kingdom in years and the sound of IBO & Ring Magazine World Junior Welterweight Champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton's 43-1 (31) theme song can be heard on every street corner. More...

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Fighting as the co-feature this Saturday on the Ricky “Hitman” Hatton and Juan Lazcano “Homecoming” card is a rematch between IBF Light Welterweight Champion Paulie Malignaggi and former title holder Lovemore N’dou. Malignaggi outboxed N’dou over twelve rounds last year claiming the title by scores of 120-106 twice and 118-118.

Curtis McCormick of SaddoBoxing spoke with Paulie Malignaggi today at the Village Hotel, Ashton-under-Lyne. Wearing a Manu shirt, skater gloves and a beanie hat that revealed long hair-braids - I admit Paulie Malignaggi wasn't quite what I had expected!
But he chatted in a really pleasant manner to Curtis and spoke of his delight in being a part of 'this big event'. More...

On May 24, at City of Manchester Stadium, British fight fans will be treated to a boxing feast. Leading the top of the card will be Britain's favorite son and most popular sportsman this decade, Ricky Hatton.

In addition, a great deal of interest will be focused on the first appearance in Britain of IBF light welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi who defends his title against hardened former beltholder Lovemore Ndou. More...

IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi has shifted training camp from Vero Beach (Florida) to Sicily in preparation for his May 24 rematch with Lovemore N’dou on the Ricky Hatton-Paulie Malignaggi card in Manchester, England.

Malignaggi (24-1, 5 KOs) captured the IBF title last June by defeating champion N’dou (46-9-1, 31 KOs) by unanimous 12-found decision. Paulie successfully defended his belt this past January with a 12-round decision against No. 1 contender Herman Ngoudjo (16-1). More...