By Mark Vester

According to the Times Online, Paulie Malignaggi's defense of the IBF junior welterweight title against Ricky Hatton is likely to take place in Las Vegas on November 22.

For the longest time, the fight appeared to be heading to New York's Madison Square Garden where Hatton has always dreamed of fighting, and where Malignaggi is a hometown draw. Ricky's father, Ray Hatton, told the paper that a decision to switch the fight to Vegas was made because of the expense involved for UK fans traveling across to ocean to support the fight. He says it is cheaper for UK fans to come to Vegas than it is to come to New York.

"Although it would be great to top the bill at Madison Square Garden - even though he's only fought there once before - this is about the fans," Ray said. "His exact words were, 'Dad, the fans made me, so I want what's best financially for the fans. I want to make it more a price for them because it is near Christmas'. He's putting his weight behind Vegas because of the money the fans are going to save."

The two frontrunners for holding the event are the MGM Grand and the Thomas & Mack Center.

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