The Neutral Corner

Marcus Henry

After overcoming a setback with his broken wrist, IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi will take on English star and Ring Magazine 140-pound champion Ricky Hatton in a unification bout on November 22 at the MGM Grand.

“I am thrilled to be involved in the biggest 140-pound fight of ’08," Malignaggi (25-1, 5 KOs) said in a statement."This will be my first fight in Las Vegas, which makes it all the more exciting. Las Vegas’ nickname is the “City of Lights”, so it is only fitting that on November 22, 2008 “The Magic Man” will be lighting “The Hitman” up all over the MGM Grand Garden Arena.”

Hatton (44-1, 31 KOs), suffered the first loss of his career to Floyd Mayweather in a welterweight bout 2007. But he came back with a unanimous-decision win over Juan Lazcano last May.

“I am looking forward to returning to America, fighting again at the MGM Grand and challenging Maglignaggi for his title,” Hatton said in a press release. “Las Vegas is like a second home to me. The fans treat me like gold and I promise them another exciting value for money fight.”