Malignaggi-Hatton close, Paulie praises Hatton and calls him a "Great champion".

Hatton-Malignaggi on the horizon?

NEW YORK (March 16, 2008) – IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi hopes to ink a pact early next week to confirm his dream deal: a two-fight arrangement culminating with a showdown against the world’s recognized No. 1 junior welterweight, Ricky Hatton, The Ring magazine and IBO title-holder.
“I’ve got to admit that, after the Cotto fight,” Malignaggi said, “I never thought that I’d get the chance to fight another great champion again. I believed in myself, but it was almost like I proved too much to everyone, that I had skills, but most of all, that I’m as tough as anyone who ever laced on gloves. I’m really grateful that Team Hatton looks like they’ll give me the opportunity to fight on Ricky’s big card in Manchester in May and then against him in the Fall in the United States.
“Ricky and I have a lot in common. Both our fathers were soccer players – his in England and mine in Italy – and we’ve both paid our dues and earned the respect of the fans and other fighters. The only marks on our records came against two great fighters, Mayweather and Cotto. What makes it so exciting is the big difference in our fighting styles. Ricky is rough and tough; an all-action fighter who takes advantage of everything he can to get the win. You’re never going to see a Hatton fight that doesn’t keep you on the edge of your seat. Most of my fights have been boxing matches. The excitement was dictated by how aggressive the other guy wanted to be. If they brought it, they got it back times 10. I know I’m at the top of my game right now and that’s what it takes to have a chance against a great champion like Ricky Hatton.”

Malignaggi (24-1, 5 KOs) captured the IBF title last June, defeating champion Lovemore N’dou (45-8-1) by 12-found decision, and Paulie successfully defended his belt in January with a 12-round decision against No. 1 contender Herman Ngoudjo (16-1).
“Everyone was blown away when they heard Ricky was going to fight at City of Manchester Stadium,” Paulie continued. “It’s going to be crazy over there! They’ve had a lot of quality fighters in Great Britain - Joe Calzaghe, David Haye, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank. They also had Lennox Lewis, but nothing like what Ricky means to them. Vegas was crazy last December and I know we can bring that atmosphere back when we go at it in the Fall. This won’t be a Friendly, more like a World Cup match, wherever we fight.
“My goal has always been to make the biggest and best fights, just like my great friend, Floyd Mayweather, has told me to do. A match-up between me and Ricky will be a Super Fight, one talked about for as long as there is boxing. No other fight at 140 matters. And before the fight, well, everyone knows that I talk a lot of smack, so Ricky’s not going to get any breaks there, either. Like with Floyd, me and Ricky can save seeing if we’re cool until once we’ve earned each other’s respect at the only place it counts – in the ring. There is no one, I repeat, no one I want to fight more than the No. 1 guy in the division - Ricky Hatton. Forget the money, forget the titles, this is about being the best. I know that if I get in the ring with Ricky Hatton, I’ll show him and everyone else what I’m made of, that I am the best 140-pound fighter in the world.

“I want to thank Ricky, his father, Ray, his lawyer, Gareth, who I met in Vegas, my team and everyone at Golden Boy and DBE for working so hard on this. I know I’m not always the easiest guy to deal with because I get so emotional over stupid stuff and open my mouth. I want to hype things up and get my chance to prove to everyone that I can walk the walk with the best. I’m ready to sign on the dotted line and prove to the Hattons and everyone else that Paulie Malignaggi is ready and up for the task of making this the biggest and best promotion that it can be. The best versus the best! If Ricky Hatton can beat me, then he can close the book on the 140-pound division. But no one’s beating the ‘Magic Man’ ever again. Me and Ricky are both professionals and know we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We both know that if we don’t win in May, our fight can never happen. Let everyone know that Paulie Malignaggi will do his part to make this happen and I’m counting on Ricky to do the same.”



WOW :D Paulie Malignaggi actually respecting somebody. I thought I'd never see the day, props to him for that.

This would take place after the Hatton - Lazcano fight I take it? I think Hatton will win, probably in ugly, tedious fashion - holding and hitting his way to a UD.

Pretty ballsy of Hatton since I think Malignaggi has the potential to make him look stupid. If he had a bit more power I doubt this fight would even be considered by the Hatton camp. Looking forward to this one.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Althugz

Pretty ballsy of Hatton since I think Malignaggi has the potential to make him look stupid. If he had a bit more power I doubt this fight would even be considered by the Hatton camp. Looking forward to this one.

---

Just beacuse he ain't facing Witter means he's ducking everybody else ?? this is the guy who fought Collazo, Castillo, Mayweather and Tzsyu right?? :rolleyes:

Why all the digs at Ricky? I get bored of hearing the same old arguments about a guy that has proven world class ability.

He's fighting one of the best at 140 before the year end, and I doubt he'd retire without fighting Witter. I can't believe people think a fight with Witter would be close. Junior isn't in the same class. Name one genuine threat that Witter has beaten?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by leftylee

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Althugz

Pretty ballsy of Hatton since I think Malignaggi has the potential to make him look stupid. If he had a bit more power I doubt this fight would even be considered by the Hatton camp. Looking forward to this one.

---

Just beacuse he ain't facing Witter means he's ducking everybody else ?? this is the guy who fought Collazo, Castillo, Mayweather and Tzsyu right?? :rolleyes:

---

Collazo was thought to be a easy fight - he almost stopped Hatton and got robbed, Castillo was regarded by the majority of people as being well past his prime when Hatton fought him. Tzsyu, IMO, was a great victory, the best Hatton has ever looked but you'll find those who can make a good case for Tzsyu being well past it and there for the taking. We all know what Mayweather did to Hatton. Hatton's record is somewhat unimpressive considering his glorified standing.
For the record, I quite like Hatton and I have almost always cheered for him in his fights, but he is one the most overrated boxers around.

seen this coming weeks ago mate...

isnt Malignaggi on the undercard of hattons next fight sure i heard that somewhere could be wrong.

Ricky of old wins this one for me but i guess its all down to if we still have the ricky of old after his defeat ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by leftylee

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Althugz

Pretty ballsy of Hatton since I think Malignaggi has the potential to make him look stupid. If he had a bit more power I doubt this fight would even be considered by the Hatton camp. Looking forward to this one.

---

Just beacuse he ain't facing Witter means he's ducking everybody else ?? this is the guy who fought Collazo, Castillo, Mayweather and Tzsyu right?? :rolleyes:

---

Collazo was thought to be a easy fight - he almost stopped Hatton and got robbed, Castillo was regarded by the majority of people as being well past his prime when Hatton fought him. Tzsyu, IMO, was a great victory, the best Hatton has ever looked but you'll find those who can make a good case for Tzsyu being well past it and there for the taking. We all know what Mayweather did to Hatton. Hatton's record is somewhat unimpressive considering his glorified standing.
For the record, I quite like Hatton and I have almost always cheered for him in his fights, but he is one the most overrated boxers around.

---

It amazes me how someone like Tony Margarito can get credit on this forum for doing pretty much shit all in his career. Hatton has achieved more yet gets bagged on.

I understand what you're saying, but nobody had ever knocked Castillo out before Hatton took him out. It's your opinion he got robbed by Collazo. The majority felt he just won it. I think people think this because Collazo came close when he had no business doing so. He's the top man at 140. He's no welter. He was beaten soundly by Floyd, but he's still a great fighter.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

seen this coming weeks ago mate...

isnt Malignaggi on the undercard of hattons next fight sure i heard that somewhere could be wrong.

Ricky of old wins this one for me but i guess its all down to if we still have the ricky of old after his defeat ;)

---

It was close but not confirmed. Remember if it had fallen through they were going after Torres. I think they were backing it up in case Paulie decided to fight Witter instead.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

seen this coming weeks ago mate...

isnt Malignaggi on the undercard of hattons next fight sure i heard that somewhere could be wrong.

Ricky of old wins this one for me but i guess its all down to if we still have the ricky of old after his defeat ;)

---

It was close but not confirmed. Remember if it had fallen through they were going after Torres. I think they were backing it up in case Paulie decided to fight Witter instead.

---

you know what would be a dream undercard for me mate is stick Malignaggi vs Witter on the undercard and Hatton meets the winner.... everything is simple in my world mate ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

seen this coming weeks ago mate...

isnt Malignaggi on the undercard of hattons next fight sure i heard that somewhere could be wrong.

Ricky of old wins this one for me but i guess its all down to if we still have the ricky of old after his defeat ;)

---

It was close but not confirmed. Remember if it had fallen through they were going after Torres. I think they were backing it up in case Paulie decided to fight Witter instead.

---

you know what would be a dream undercard for me mate is stick Malignaggi vs Witter on the undercard and Hatton meets the winner.... everything is simple in my world mate ;)

---

That'd be great. Plus it'd keep Junior on an undercard were he belongs.

It'd involve 3 promotors though, so can't imagine it coming off. It does make sense though. You think Paulie would unify with Torres?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by leftylee

Just beacuse he ain't facing Witter means he's ducking everybody else ?? this is the guy who fought Collazo, Castillo, Mayweather and Tzsyu right?? :rolleyes:

---

Collazo was thought to be a easy fight - he almost stopped Hatton and got robbed, Castillo was regarded by the majority of people as being well past his prime when Hatton fought him. Tzsyu, IMO, was a great victory, the best Hatton has ever looked but you'll find those who can make a good case for Tzsyu being well past it and there for the taking. We all know what Mayweather did to Hatton. Hatton's record is somewhat unimpressive considering his glorified standing.
For the record, I quite like Hatton and I have almost always cheered for him in his fights, but he is one the most overrated boxers around.

---

It amazes me how someone like Tony Margarito can get credit on this forum for doing pretty much shit all in his career. Hatton has achieved more yet gets bagged on.

I understand what you're saying, but nobody had ever knocked Castillo out before Hatton took him out. It's your opinion he got robbed by Collazo. The majority felt he just won it. I think people think this because Collazo came close when he had no business doing so. He's the top man at 140. He's no welter. He was beaten soundly by Floyd, but he's still a great fighter.

---

I know what you mean, and I should be clear that I'm not trying to slag Hatton, I like him and I am a fan of his. He is a great fighter, but I also feel that he is tremendously overrated, particularily by his fanboys (not say your are one, you've always come across as very objective) who proliferate throughout this site (though for some reason there have been a lot fewer of them around since Dec. 8 ). I would also rate him much higher than I do Margarito. People use the defense of Hatton not being a natural welter, well neither is Floyd. Floyd is probably naturally much lighter than Hatton, so that argument holds no water with me. Hatton was simply out-classed and beat by a better fight, the best in the world, so there are no excuses needed there IMO.
In regards to Collazo and Castillo: Plenty of people were ripped Castillo and calling him shot, and past it etc. after his fight with Njoudjo (sp?). Also, after the Callazo fight I remember sentiment being pretty divided in regards to who won the fight, I certainly do not remember the majority of people (at least those with objective view points) saying that Hatton won the fight.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

seen this coming weeks ago mate...

isnt Malignaggi on the undercard of hattons next fight sure i heard that somewhere could be wrong.

Ricky of old wins this one for me but i guess its all down to if we still have the ricky of old after his defeat ;)

---

It was close but not confirmed. Remember if it had fallen through they were going after Torres. I think they were backing it up in case Paulie decided to fight Witter instead.

---

you know what would be a dream undercard for me mate is stick Malignaggi vs Witter on the undercard and Hatton meets the winner.... everything is simple in my world mate ;)

---

That makes perfect sense Saddo, which is why it could never happen.

At the time I didn't see it too divided, but it seems to get brought up alot now. I think there are excuses made for Ricky, but it's more people sticking with their fighter till the end. I don't ever remember so much euphoria for one fighter in this country. Not even Bruno. The natural welter thing I understand. Ricky himself admitted that after Collazo, he wouldn't fight at welter but him and Billy fancied the Floyd job as Floyd isn't really a welter. Ricky has lost once, to the closest fighter to perfect I have ever seen and I think there are too many haters coming forward and using that to suggest Ricky aint shit, which is the biggest lot of bollocks I've ever heard.

Don't get me wrong, I'm knocking having a dig at you specifically CFH, but any thread with "Hatton" mentioned draws the haters like a moth to a flame.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

It was close but not confirmed. Remember if it had fallen through they were going after Torres. I think they were backing it up in case Paulie decided to fight Witter instead.

---

you know what would be a dream undercard for me mate is stick Malignaggi vs Witter on the undercard and Hatton meets the winner.... everything is simple in my world mate ;)

---

That'd be great. Plus it'd keep Junior on an undercard were he belongs.

It'd involve 3 promotors though, so can't imagine it coming off. It does make sense though. You think Paulie would unify with Torres?

---

Witter would get the exposure if he won... Malignaggi would be a better fight if he won.

Hatton would just have to carry on as normal and all the fans would be happy makes sense to me.

as for Torres hes in the who needs him club ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

At the time I didn't see it too divided, but it seems to get brought up alot now. I think there are excuses made for Ricky, but it's more people sticking with their fighter till the end. I don't ever remember so much euphoria for one fighter in this country. Not even Bruno. The natural welter thing I understand. Ricky himself admitted that after Collazo, he wouldn't fight at welter but him and Billy fancied the Floyd job as Floyd isn't really a welter. Ricky has lost once, to the closest fighter to perfect I have ever seen and I think there are too many haters coming forward and using that to suggest Ricky aint shit, which is the biggest lot of bollocks I've ever heard.

Don't get me wrong, I'm knocking having a dig at you specifically CFH, but any thread with "Hatton" mentioned draws the haters like a moth to a flame.

---

I know you're not taking shots at me man, I'm certainly not trying to disrespect Hatton either, I know he's good. I just don't think he's as good as he's made out to be. There's certainly no shame in losing to PBF, but in my mind at least, the Collazo fight demonstrated that Hatton is not the fighter he is made out to be.
Nationalistic sentiment seems to cloud the judgement of many people, and I don't just mean in regards to Hatton.

Aye it certainly is fashionable to criticise Ricky at the minute and a lot of people are saying he'd lose against Witter (I don't think he would) or lose against Malignagi - (again I don't think he'd lose that one either).

Ricky is an exciting boxer imo and that's good for boxing.

However, PPV for his next fight is fooking ludicrous. People will buy this fight, but not me. To pay £20 or whatever it is, to see him fight someone who hasn't fought for over a year is crazy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Rela

Aye it certainly is fashionable to criticise Ricky at the minute and a lot of people are saying he'd lose against Witter (I don't think he would) or lose against Malignagi - (again I don't think he'd lose that one either).

Ricky is an exciting boxer imo and that's good for boxing.

However, PPV for his next fight is fooking ludicrous. People will buy this fight, but not me. To pay £20 or whatever it is, to see him fight someone who hasn't fought for over a year is crazy.

---

I would favor Hatton to beat both fighters, but it's by no means a foregone conclusion. I'd give Witter a better chance at beating him than Malignaggi, but both hypothetically could defeat Hatton.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Rela

Ricky is an exciting boxer imo and that's good for boxing.

However, PPV for his next fight is fooking ludicrous. People will buy this fight, but not me. To pay £20 or whatever it is, to see him fight someone who hasn't fought for over a year is crazy.

---

class post good to see it isnt just me and fenster that sees this ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

At the time I didn't see it too divided, but it seems to get brought up alot now. I think there are excuses made for Ricky, but it's more people sticking with their fighter till the end. I don't ever remember so much euphoria for one fighter in this country. Not even Bruno. The natural welter thing I understand. Ricky himself admitted that after Collazo, he wouldn't fight at welter but him and Billy fancied the Floyd job as Floyd isn't really a welter. Ricky has lost once, to the closest fighter to perfect I have ever seen and I think there are too many haters coming forward and using that to suggest Ricky aint shit, which is the biggest lot of bollocks I've ever heard.

Don't get me wrong, I'm knocking having a dig at you specifically CFH, but any thread with "Hatton" mentioned draws the haters like a moth to a flame.

---

I know you're not taking shots at me man, I'm certainly not trying to disrespect Hatton either, I know he's good. I just don't think he's as good as he's made out to be. There's certainly no shame in losing to PBF, but in my mind at least, the Collazo fight demonstrated that Hatton is not the fighter he is made out to be.
Nationalistic sentiment seems to cloud the judgement of many people, and I don't just mean in regards to Hatton.

---

You're spot on there.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Rela

Ricky is an exciting boxer imo and that's good for boxing.

However, PPV for his next fight is fooking ludicrous. People will buy this fight, but not me. To pay £20 or whatever it is, to see him fight someone who hasn't fought for over a year is crazy.

---

class post good to see it isnt just me and fenster that sees this ;)

---

I agree. Although I've just paid £150 to go watch this live. Its more because I've followed his whole career, and never been to see him fight once and I'll be pissed if I never get the chance. I tried for his last 3 fights and couldn't get tickets at all.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

I agree. Although I've just paid £150 to go watch this live. Its more because I've followed his whole career, and never been to see him fight once and I'll be pissed if I never get the chance. I tried for his last 3 fights and couldn't get tickets at all.

---

nah mate i'm all for his fans getting behind him but staging this as a big event to reward his fans sucks imo... they deserve more as he prob has the best fans in the world that would support him no matter what he did or who he fights and i think this matchup is taking the piss out of there loyalty IMO ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

I agree. Although I've just paid £150 to go watch this live. Its more because I've followed his whole career, and never been to see him fight once and I'll be pissed if I never get the chance. I tried for his last 3 fights and couldn't get tickets at all.

---

nah mate i'm all for his fans getting behind him but staging this as a big event to reward his fans sucks imo... they deserve more as he prob has the best fans in the world that would support him no matter what he did or who he fights and i think this matchup is taking the piss out of there loyalty IMO ;)

---

here's hoping for a shit hot undercard then. :cool:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Rela

Ricky is an exciting boxer imo and that's good for boxing.

However, PPV for his next fight is fooking ludicrous. People will buy this fight, but not me. To pay £20 or whatever it is, to see him fight someone who hasn't fought for over a year is crazy.

---

class post good to see it isnt just me and fenster that sees this ;)

---

I agree. Although I've just paid £150 to go watch this live. Its more because I've followed his whole career, and never been to see him fight once and I'll be pissed if I never get the chance. I tried for his last 3 fights and couldn't get tickets at all.

---

Regardless of the opposition, it's still pretty cool that you get to see your favorite fighter live. I've never actually seen a fight in person, but my uncles took me to see my favorite sports team (Vancouver Canucks) about a month ago, it was awesome, especially since tickets are fairly expensive (especially where I was sitting) and they are damn hard to get - the team has had over 200 sellouts in a row . I was 8 rows back from the ice.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saddo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bzkfn

I agree. Although I've just paid £150 to go watch this live. Its more because I've followed his whole career, and never been to see him fight once and I'll be pissed if I never get the chance. I tried for his last 3 fights and couldn't get tickets at all.

---

nah mate i'm all for his fans getting behind him but staging this as a big event to reward his fans sucks imo... they deserve more as he prob has the best fans in the world that would support him no matter what he did or who he fights and i think this matchup is taking the piss out of there loyalty IMO ;)

---

here's hoping for a shit hot undercard then. :cool:

---

heres hoping he just puts on a steller preformance for them mate and moves on to bigger and better fights ;)

We all knew Ricky was being lined up for the Powderpuff fight back in the States.. thats why so many fans of a Witter-Hatton match were disappointed with the "gimme" in May.

I'm sure the majority of boxing fans (not Hatton lovers who would obviously prefer to watch Hatton win regardless of how uncompetitive the fight is) would have been happy for Ricky to have the onesided bullying exhibition followed by Witter.

Bullying exhibition followed by Powderpuff.. so what :-\

I know the fight between Hatton vs Ricardo Torres will be a great fight , a boxers that fight toe to toe , almost the same style , i realy that fight comes.........interesting......:cool:

This one is looking real close to bieng made..

What i heard about the hatton - lazcano undercard was they were looking for the hbo style undercard to be hattons next opponent and that giving that both hatton and the undercard attraction won that would solve who hatton fights next after that..

Main culprits i had heard were torres and my boy paulie..

Now course paulie still has to deal with the legal problems since he owes Ndou a rematch for the title so perhaps that will be the undercard fight or if paulie can put that off for another length of time perhaps he could unify with torres on the undercard winner gets hatton in autumn..

Either way i'd quite like to see the magic man in england and of course the hatton fight is likely to be aestheticly pleasing... (Dont bug me when it comes to spelling .. Im the man at spelling :p:D )

And whoever says about who hatton is ducking is off the mark.. its not to do with power or nothing of the sort.. Paulie and hatton were gona come together.. cos they both on top.. the problem is for every boxer is getting the big fights.. and just lke everyone else witter should let others do what they do all he needs to do is keep fighting, keep winning and get some names.. of which there are plenty at 140.. he could take out guys like rees and torres and gain a title while he waits.. face prospects like salita, figueroa, alexander, even if it comes to named fighters theres a few out there to put on the resume that arent a huge threat to him or his eventual hopeful payday..

He needs to put himself in a position where other people want to fight him and theres no running around for him.. thats what hatton and paulie have already done and thats why they are getting the money and the fights

Hey Lefty, what did I say in this thread that makes me "what a moron"? I don't mind the negative rep, I just want to hear your explaination, if you have one. You spelled moron incorrectly, by the way.

whoever that is with the shirt on in your signature (the guy above me) looks pretty dumb.. it should be "you're" not "your".. i can understand someone mistyping it, but the fact taht it's on a shirt you look like a moron..

ANYWAY..

I don't see Hatton having a problem with Malignaggi.. he's quick and slick, but if Hatton gets in close and holds then he'll eat him up.. Considering paulie doesn't have power, i don't see hatton being phased by his punches, and hatton will continue to press even though he may be getting hit square in the face..

With mayweather punches, they're powerful AND sharp, so he got KO'd.. but i don't see Paulie having the power to do that.. Again, it all comes down to Ricky's approach and if he can catch and hold Paulie..

Hatton KO/TKO or Malignaggi a BLOODY UD

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

Hey Lefty, what did I say in this thread that makes me "what a moron"? I don't mind the negative rep, I just want to hear your explaination, if you have one. You spelled moron incorrectly, by the way.

---

It ain't about this thread and I know I spelt moron incorrect but I only noticed once I clicked the negative rep button so I couldn't go back ;)

I dont even bother with Hatton threads anymore, for the simple fact most of the people on here are far too arogant towards him and think people like Witter would beat him.

After the Tszyu fight I would say about 99% of the people on here would back Hatton to stop Witter early. But now I say most of the people would have Witter stopping him now, its really bullshit to be honest. Hatton showed real balls by moving up against the best fighter in the world and losing a fight where he knew he ' 0 ' was very likely to go. I respect him very much for that because I would have preferd to see him lose that fight then stay at 140 and fight not so good fighters.

Now that hes lost I believe any fighter needs to get that hunger and burning desire back in them. Going straight from the off to fighter argubly the number 2 in the weight class isnt the best choice in my opinion. He needs the confidence booster and I believe that he will get it from Juan Lazcano. Lazcano I do admit it a had been but he still wont be going all the way to manchester to get KTFO early I can tell you that. I think he can bring a good fight to Ricky and I feel Ricky will be able to stop him and get his self belief back that he is the best at 140 and he simply did loose to p4p number 1 in the world.

Witter I feel needs to show that he can attract more attention to his own fan base and name in America to prove that he truely is number 2 in the weight class, and not just because hes number 2 because hes proved it, but shown the people that he is number 2 and will bring exciment to a Hatton fight. If Witter was to fight Hatton in May and Witter looses to him easily what would you all say then? I would love to see some of the replies we would get on here about him, and see how they can turn it against Ricky. Personally I do want a Junior Witter showdown, but at this time I really dont want it. I want both men to be unifying the devision and let it really be the ultimate number 1 and the number 2. That way it will generate a lot more money for both men and attract a lot more customers for the promoters etc. The show down could take place in England and would be a major event for 2009. Both men need to have BIG wins on thier records this year. If Ricky beats Paulie and gets in another win and gets a belt this will set him up for this Witter show down. Junior NEEDS a big named fighter as well to assert the fact he DESERVES this shot and always has done. If he gets himself another belt against Torres or Rees I believe hes done enough to show he can fight against Ricky.

Hatton-Witter is the biggest fight at 140 IMO and I dont want it to happen too early. I want this one to be hyped up and both men fully up for it. At this momment Hatton needs confidence and Witter needs another belt or a big name. In my eyes Harris isnt enough for me and Witter has never taken a BIG risk in his career. He nearly got beaten by Colin Lynes and to say this man will easily smash Hatton is beyond me to be honest. Just give it time for this fight to unfold, I sense Ricky has this one planned for the right time when he knows he can generate the most money from it. Let him get his head back and get back on the winning ways and let 2008 unfold for both Witter and Hatton to make sure their 2009 showdown can take place, for all 4 belts and the ring magazine championship of the world.

I have been critical of Hatton for not fighting Witter but i have no problem with him fighting Paulie, who i rate as much as Junior.

In my eyes this fight could tell a lot about where both fighters careers are at.

If Hatton looks great he is back in a big way and if he then goes on to beat Witter he could make claims to be he greatest 140 fighter ever.
If Hatton loses well it would be fair to say he is on the way out and should then look to cash in and probably retire in the next couple of fights.

For Paulie, if he should beat Hatton he is then got claims to be near the top ten p4p and def top 20. He could stamp himself as a top fighter and look for big money fights. If he should lose to Hatton it will more than likely prove that he is a good second tier fighter, who will not be a PPV fighter.

Good match up of styles and i for one will be watching.

Paulie - Hatton should be a good fight but I just don't think Malignaggi has the power to get Hatton's respect and stop Hatton from fighting the fight he wants to fight (that was as confusing as some Teddy Atlas analysis, but I love Teddy). Witter on the other hand might have the power to do it, but I'd still favor Hatton over either.

I got Hatton over Witter everyday of the week, but Malignaggi is too fast and too gifted to overlook and INO he would beat Hatton UD!!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

Paulie - Hatton should be a good fight but I just don't think Malignaggi has the power to get Hatton's respect and stop Hatton from fighting the fight he wants to fight (that was as confusing as some Teddy Atlas analysis, but I love Teddy). Witter on the other hand might have the power to do it, but I'd still favor Hatton over either.

---

Paulie just may have the 2 things that can beat Hatton. A decent jab, and good speed. He has also fought atleast two other pressure fighters recently in Cotto, and to a lesser extent Ndou. This will aid in him doing well against Ricky.

I'd pick Hatton at the moment but it'd be good to see how he looks in the Lazcano fight.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eagle

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

Paulie - Hatton should be a good fight but I just don't think Malignaggi has the power to get Hatton's respect and stop Hatton from fighting the fight he wants to fight (that was as confusing as some Teddy Atlas analysis, but I love Teddy). Witter on the other hand might have the power to do it, but I'd still favor Hatton over either.

---

Paulie just may have the 2 things that can beat Hatton. A decent jab, and good speed. He has also fought atleast two other pressure fighters recently in Cotto, and to a lesser extent Ndou. This will aid in him doing well against Ricky.

I'd pick Hatton at the moment but it'd be good to see how he looks in the Lazcano fight.

---

I think the best comparison for how Paulie will fare vs. Hatton is the Cotto fight. Paulie gave a decent account of himself, but still came up well short. Not that Hatton and Cotto are all together that similar, they're just the only top-tier opposition Paulie has/will face. I think if Malignaggi had any sort of decent power this fight would be a nightmare for Hatton, but I think Hatton's footwork/footspeed will go a long way towards negating the few advantages that Paulie possess.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eagle

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

Paulie - Hatton should be a good fight but I just don't think Malignaggi has the power to get Hatton's respect and stop Hatton from fighting the fight he wants to fight (that was as confusing as some Teddy Atlas analysis, but I love Teddy). Witter on the other hand might have the power to do it, but I'd still favor Hatton over either.

---

Paulie just may have the 2 things that can beat Hatton. A decent jab, and good speed. He has also fought atleast two other pressure fighters recently in Cotto, and to a lesser extent Ndou. This will aid in him doing well against Ricky.

I'd pick Hatton at the moment but it'd be good to see how he looks in the Lazcano fight.

---

I think the best comparison for how Paulie will fare vs. Hatton is the Cotto fight. Paulie gave a decent account of himself, but still came up well short. Not that Hatton and Cotto are all together that similar, they're just the only top-tier opposition Paulie has/will face. I think if Malignaggi had any sort of decent power this fight would be a nightmare for Hatton, but I think Hatton's footwork/footspeed will go a long way towards negating the few advantages that Paulie possess.

---

I get what you are saying about Cotto and Hatton, but i think Cotto has more boxing ability and more power than Hatton. He has shown that speed does not worry him too much (Judah, Mosely, Malignaggi) whereas slick fighters have given Hatton some trouble (mayweather, Collazo).

I think Cotto would beat Hatton by as much as he beat Paulie.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eagle

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eagle

Paulie just may have the 2 things that can beat Hatton. A decent jab, and good speed. He has also fought atleast two other pressure fighters recently in Cotto, and to a lesser extent Ndou. This will aid in him doing well against Ricky.

I'd pick Hatton at the moment but it'd be good to see how he looks in the Lazcano fight.

---

I think the best comparison for how Paulie will fare vs. Hatton is the Cotto fight. Paulie gave a decent account of himself, but still came up well short. Not that Hatton and Cotto are all together that similar, they're just the only top-tier opposition Paulie has/will face. I think if Malignaggi had any sort of decent power this fight would be a nightmare for Hatton, but I think Hatton's footwork/footspeed will go a long way towards negating the few advantages that Paulie possess.

---

I get what you are saying about Cotto and Hatton, but i think Cotto has more boxing ability and more power than Hatton. He has shown that speed does not worry him too much (Judah, Mosely, Malignaggi) whereas slick fighters have given Hatton some trouble (mayweather, Collazo).

I think Cotto would beat Hatton by as much as he beat Paulie.

---

Fair enough, it's hard to disagree with anything you said there. I definately think Cotto is better than Hatton, and Cotto would absolutely savage Hatton if they fought. Like I said, the main similarity between them is that they're both top-level fighters and Malignaggi has yet to show he is capable of beating top-tier opposition (though admittedly he has only had one chance so far).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eagle

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CFH

I think the best comparison for how Paulie will fare vs. Hatton is the Cotto fight. Paulie gave a decent account of himself, but still came up well short. Not that Hatton and Cotto are all together that similar, they're just the only top-tier opposition Paulie has/will face. I think if Malignaggi had any sort of decent power this fight would be a nightmare for Hatton, but I think Hatton's footwork/footspeed will go a long way towards negating the few advantages that Paulie possess.

---

I get what you are saying about Cotto and Hatton, but i think Cotto has more boxing ability and more power than Hatton. He has shown that speed does not worry him too much (Judah, Mosely, Malignaggi) whereas slick fighters have given Hatton some trouble (mayweather, Collazo).

I think Cotto would beat Hatton by as much as he beat Paulie.

---

Fair enough, it's hard to disagree with anything you said there. I definately think Cotto is better than Hatton, and Cotto would absolutely savage Hatton if they fought. Like I said, the main similarity between them is that they're both top-level fighters and Malignaggi has yet to show he is capable of beating top-tier opposition (though admittedly he has only had one chance so far).

---

Good to have a sensible discussion with someone on here.

Have some rep mate.