by T.K. Stewart

 

IBF 140-pound titlist Paulie Malignaggi says that if he breaks his right hand again that it could very well signal the end of his boxing career.  And even if he doesn't break more bones he claims every fight could be his last.  Malignaggi will face Ricky Hatton on November 22nd at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas for what could be his final time in a boxing ring.

 

When asked what would be next for him should he defeat Hatton, Malignaggi's answer was surprising.

 

"I'm not sure.  I don't have a lot of fights left in me," said the 27 year old Malignaggi.  "I can't keep breaking my hand like this.  I'm losing...boxing is costing me a lot now.  A win against Ricky Hatton obviously is the goal.  I don't know how much longer I have left, so I really try to just approach it one fight at a time because it's starting to look like my next broken right hand could be my last. This thing could go at any second."

 

Malignaggi has broken his right hand four times and has had an incredible 10 operations in an effort to keep it together. 

 

Malignaggi is hoping his hand holds up and wants to celebrate his 28th birthday as a winner the day after he faces Hatton.  He takes a professional record of a record of 25-1 (5)KO's into the ring with him and this will be the third defense of his title.   

 

"I believe everybody is probably going to be taking me lightly," said Malignaggi of the Hatton fight.  "I don't think Ricky is going to be taking me lightly, he'll probably train hard for the fight, but people are going to write me off.  It's probably the best way for me, because that's really what motivates me more than anything."

 

Despite his success in boxing, the Hatton fight will be Malignaggi's first fight in Las Vegas and he's looking forward to appearing on the big stage and performing for what promises to be a big crowd.

 

"Don't write me off for November," says the Brooklyn-born fighter.  "Don't sleep on the 'Magic Man' because you know sometimes I'll have performances that will blow you away and sometimes I'll have performances that will blow you away in the opposite way - meaning like -  'What the hell is he doing?' 

 

"Expect a great performance from me, expect a career performance from me in November," he said.  "When I bring out the best in me I'm very tough to beat.  The best of Paulie Malignaggi - Ricky Hatton can't handle even on his best day."    

  

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