Hatton Vs Maliganagggggggi - Hatton did not show up
Posted: 13 Sep 2008, 16:34
fightnews.com Hitman or miss
Malignaggi promises suddenly ill Hatton sicker days to come
Story and photos by Chris Cozzone
FightWireImages.com
The fight itself might not be so, but the official press conference, kicking off the Nov. 22 showdown between junior welters Paulie Malignaggi and Ricky Hatton, was about as one-sided as you can get.
As the only principal present, Malignaggi, by default, was the center of attention, with the missing Hitman suddenly ill from unknown complications.
“We don’t know what the problem is,” said Gareth Williams, representing Team Hatton. “We came in last night, had some food, and then he got sick. When he’s eating burger, chips and beer, he’s fine.”
fightnews.comRumors of hangovers were squelched, by both, Williams and Lou DiBella, Malignaggi’s promoter.
“He was drinking lemonade last night when I saw him,” said DiBella, who, without skipping a beat, came up with the most poignant statement of the shortened presser:
“No matter how sick Ricky feels right now,” he said. “He’s gonna feel a lot sicker on November 23.”
On Nov. 22, Hatton (44-1, 31 KOs), coming off a less-than-stellar showing against Juan Lazcano, and Malignaggi (25-1, 5 KOs), ditto on an unimpressive last fight, will fight for the IBO and newly-sanctioning Ring magazine’s versions of the junior welterweight championship. The fight takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and will be televised by “free” HBO.
“I will become the undisputed 140-pound champion on Nov. 22,” said Malignaggi, who holds one of the four belts at junior welter.
fightnews.com“This is the biggest fight of my career, and I live for these opportunities. The best always comes out of me for moments like this. And this moment can’t get any bigger.”
While reiterating his promoter’s promise, Malignaggi vowed that while Hatton would be feeling twice as ill as he is right now, the morning after their showdown, he would be celebrating, both, his victory and his birthday, on Nov. 23.
Malignaggi also voiced his apprehension about Hatton’s style of fighting.
“If he wants to fight on the inside, that’s fine,” said Malignaggi. “But inside fighting is inside fighting. I expect the officials to understand the difference between that and hitting and holding, or grappling.
“I’m going to leave my wrestling suit at home, and come prepared to box. I expect Ricky to do the same. I just want to make the point now, because once the bell rings, you won’t see Paulie Malignaggi complain.”
Malignaggi promises suddenly ill Hatton sicker days to come
Story and photos by Chris Cozzone
FightWireImages.com
The fight itself might not be so, but the official press conference, kicking off the Nov. 22 showdown between junior welters Paulie Malignaggi and Ricky Hatton, was about as one-sided as you can get.
As the only principal present, Malignaggi, by default, was the center of attention, with the missing Hitman suddenly ill from unknown complications.
“We don’t know what the problem is,” said Gareth Williams, representing Team Hatton. “We came in last night, had some food, and then he got sick. When he’s eating burger, chips and beer, he’s fine.”
fightnews.comRumors of hangovers were squelched, by both, Williams and Lou DiBella, Malignaggi’s promoter.
“He was drinking lemonade last night when I saw him,” said DiBella, who, without skipping a beat, came up with the most poignant statement of the shortened presser:
“No matter how sick Ricky feels right now,” he said. “He’s gonna feel a lot sicker on November 23.”
On Nov. 22, Hatton (44-1, 31 KOs), coming off a less-than-stellar showing against Juan Lazcano, and Malignaggi (25-1, 5 KOs), ditto on an unimpressive last fight, will fight for the IBO and newly-sanctioning Ring magazine’s versions of the junior welterweight championship. The fight takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and will be televised by “free” HBO.
“I will become the undisputed 140-pound champion on Nov. 22,” said Malignaggi, who holds one of the four belts at junior welter.
fightnews.com“This is the biggest fight of my career, and I live for these opportunities. The best always comes out of me for moments like this. And this moment can’t get any bigger.”
While reiterating his promoter’s promise, Malignaggi vowed that while Hatton would be feeling twice as ill as he is right now, the morning after their showdown, he would be celebrating, both, his victory and his birthday, on Nov. 23.
Malignaggi also voiced his apprehension about Hatton’s style of fighting.
“If he wants to fight on the inside, that’s fine,” said Malignaggi. “But inside fighting is inside fighting. I expect the officials to understand the difference between that and hitting and holding, or grappling.
“I’m going to leave my wrestling suit at home, and come prepared to box. I expect Ricky to do the same. I just want to make the point now, because once the bell rings, you won’t see Paulie Malignaggi complain.”
