By Mark Vester
The taunts keep coming from IBF junior welterweight champ Paulie Malignaggi (23-1, 5KOs). Malignaggi, first in the American media, and now in the UK media, has told Ricky Hatton (43-1, 31KOs) to step up to the plate.
Malignaggi holds the belt previously worn by Hatton on two occasions. Hatton never lost the title in the ring. He was stripped by the sanctioning body for electing to fight Jose Luis Castillo instead of defending the title against his mandatory Lovemore Ndou. Hatton would make plans to move up to 147-pounds to meet Mayweather, while Malignaggi would go on to win a lopsided decision over Ndou to capture the championship.
Hatton is looking to pick up the pieces after losing his first bout as pro on Dec. 8, a tenth-round knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. He's mentioned Malignaggi as a possible comeback opponent in 2008. Hatton would like the fight to take place in New York's Madison Square Garden.
In a recent video feature by Sky Sports, Malignaggi told Hatton talk is cheap. He wants Hatton to back up his words in the ring.
"IBF junior welterweight champ baby. Do not get it wrong. Do not get it wrong. Hatton, I got your belt. Ricky, I got your belt Ricky. I got your belt Ricky, come and get it Ricky. I'm waiting for you. I'm the best in the world. You can not duplicate me. Talk all you want, step up to the plate. Talk is cheap, step up to the plate. I think Ricky has to step up to the plate and face the young lions at 140-pounds. He doesn't want to do that. He's never done that," Malignaggi said.
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