By Mark Vester
According to Ray Hatton, father/manager of Ricky Hatton, a deal is already set with IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi for a fight this November. Ray revealed the information during an appearance on BBC Radio.
"We did the deal before the last fight. Malignaggi had to win and he did but he broke his hand," said Ray Hatton. "The fight's likely to be in November. Where, we don't know at the moment. Once they've fought, they have about eight weeks off. By the time Malignaggi goes back in training the injury will be alright - it happens in a lot of cases."
Ray also revealed that his son was contacted by the handlers of Floyd Mayweather Jr. with praises for the win over Juan Lazcano. The surprise phone will fuel the rumors of a Mayweather-Hatton rematch in 2009.
"On the Sunday I was out with my grandson and we get a phone call from Floyd Mayweather's people congratulating us on a great job done, a tricky fight out of the way. That was a call out of the blue, which is very, very nice that less than 24 hours after the fight they're on the phone saying, good job, great show."
Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingscene@hotmail.com
