Ricky Hatton v Paulie Malignaggi was a light welterweight
match-up between the top two in the division at that time, to
determine the number one light welterweight in the world. It was
called "Power vs. Precision" and was held on November 22, 2008 at
the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
Michael Buffer introduced the fight on HBO World Championship
Boxing and the referee was Kenny Bayless.
Malignaggi started off the fight well, winning the first round
by utilising his jab and getting a rhythm, However in the second
round a massive right by Hatton shook Malignaggi and he had to hold
on for the rest of the round. From then on Hatton took control and
won all the other rounds, with more big shots and combinations,
until Malignaggi's trainer, Buddy McGirt threw in the towel in the
11th round. McGirt had warned Malignaggi that if he didn't do
better in the next round he would pull him out and he stuck to his
word.
Hatton jumped up onto the ropes as Malignaggi furiously
protested to, and pushed McGirt. However the final scores of 99-91
from all three judges proved that Malignaggi would not have been
able to defeat Hatton on points in the remaining rounds.