Earlier today, IBF jr. welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi held a press conference to announce his upcoming clash with Ring Magazine and IBO world champion Ricky Hatton. Hatton was ill and could not attend the press conference held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but check out what Malignaggi had to say about their intriguing matchup.
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI - IBF Jr. Welterweight Champion
"This is a great chance for my west coast fans to come support me. My east coast fans got a glimpse of me at Madison Square Garden."
"The referee is there to do his job. The bell is going to ring and you won't see me looking at the referee for help."
"There are only two boxers with this style, John Ruiz and Ricky Hatton. I will have an answer for Hatton on Nov. 22."
"Hatton has not fought well against guys with fast hands thus far in his career. He got knocked out when he fought (Floyd) Mayweather, so he has not handled fast-handed boxers well."
"I want people to know my name at 140 pounds. I want to be the marquee fighter. I want to be considered one of the best fighters of my generation."
RICHARD SCHAEFER Chief Executive Officer, Golden Boy Promotions
"Ricky Hatton has food poisoning and could not make it this morning. His father was called to his hotel room."
"We have sold more than 12,000 seats for this event, and I believe it will be sold out."
GARETH WILLIAMS Hatton's Legal Counsel
"Hatton came in last night and had food poisoning. He wanted to get up and watch Manchester City play, but he is not well at all."
RICHARD STURM President of Sports & Entertainment, MGM/Mirage
"We are excited to host this great event and welcome the return of Ricky Hatton to the MGM Grand."
"Hatton and Malignaggi will bring something great to the table, and this will be a great fight."
KERY DAVIS Senior Vice President of Programming, HBO Sports
"This is a terrific opportunity to showcase two of the best fighters in the world."
"One thing that cannot be argued is that these are two of the most charismatic fighter ever."
"Jerry Ferrara, who plays 'Turtle,' used to box with Malignaggi. The 'Entourage' guys will be there supporting the borough."
NIGEL COLLINS Editor in Chief, Ring Magazine
"There is a long history of rivalries between British and American boxers. Hatton is only the third English boxer to win the Ring Magazine championship, so there is historic precedent to this fight."
"This fight is a clash of personalities, a clash of styles, and no one knows what the result will be."
LOU DIBELLA - Senior Vice President of HBOPPV & HBO Sports
"Malignaggi is a champion, but Hatton is a phenomenon. He can choose anyone he wants to fight, and so we appreciate this opportunity."
"No matter how sick Hatton is right now, he is going to feel a lot sicker on Nov. 22."
"Malignaggi is hungry, and still lives in his New York apartment
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Hatton vs. Malignaggi will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on Saturday, Nov. 22. The 12-round junior welterweight world bout for Hatton's Ring Magazine and IBO junior welterweight world titles will be presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Punch Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Affliction Clothing. The event will air live on HBO's World Championship Boxing at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.