18.06.08 – by James Slater: No sooner had this writer submitted yesterday’s article that suggested Ricky Hatton might box Filipino idol Manny Pacquiao this November, instead of original foe Paulie Malignaggi, did “The Magic Man’s” promoter Lou DiBella send me an e-mail expressing his annoyance. This suggestion, which was read by the author on an internet article by The Manila Bulletin, is in no way, shape or form true..
As DiBella informed me, there has been no suggestion of step aside money for the reigning IBF light-welterweight champion, and the Hatton-Malignaggi fight for November is very much on. Lou was understandably angry, but he graciously accepted my sincere apology. Once again, it just goes to shows you cannot believe everything you read. Why The Manila Bulletin would put out news that the promoter of at least one of the fighters involved knew nothing about is way beyond me.
And in a news article that has gone up on The Sporting Life today, Hatton’s people have also told of how they have not even been approached about the possibility of fight with “Pac-Man” for this year.
“We have not spoken to anybody about a fight with Pacquiao,” Hatton’s lawyer, Gareth Williams said. “Ricky is contractually obliged to fight Paulie Malignaggi in November and that is what he will do. A fight with Pacquiao is something that has been mooted for next year and it is something we would be keen to do. But it’s not going to happen this year. Ricky’s only focus is on Malignaggi.”
So, to any readers of ESB who wondered why yesterday’s article had disappeared, this is the reason – The Manila Bulletin was jumping the gun. Malignaggi-Hatton is very much on for November, and no step aside money to anyone will change that.
For his part, “The Magic Man” still feels he may stop Hatton when they meet. Apparently, Malignaggi believes Hatton cannot take a punch, to either head or body, and that he has known this for years. The build-up for this one could well be very interesting and very intense. Both guys respect one another, but they also genuinely believe they will win.
Ricky Hatton is focused solely on Paulie Malignaggi and Paulie Malignaggi is focused solely on Ricky Hatton. As a result, the November fight should be one worth waiting for!