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Hatton's clash with Malignaggi is his first in America since his knock-out by Floyd Mayweather Junior in the same arena - and he has appealed to his fans not to boo the US national anthem.
He maintains that their jeering during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner 11 months ago turned referee Joe Cortez against him and does not want to risk upsetting Kenny Bayless on Saturday.
"I've got the best fans in the world, but please don't boo the national anthem this time," pleaded Hatton. "Certain people took exception, mentioning no names.
"We're dealing with a very patriotic country over here. If anyone boos the national anthem at home, it's a football thing and we're used to it, but unfortunately they're not used to that sort of thing over here.
"It didn't help me against Mayweather, although I can't say that's why I lost.
"But I would appeal to the fans not to boo on Saturday."
The Mirror
He maintains that their jeering during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner 11 months ago turned referee Joe Cortez against him and does not want to risk upsetting Kenny Bayless on Saturday.
"I've got the best fans in the world, but please don't boo the national anthem this time," pleaded Hatton. "Certain people took exception, mentioning no names.
"We're dealing with a very patriotic country over here. If anyone boos the national anthem at home, it's a football thing and we're used to it, but unfortunately they're not used to that sort of thing over here.
"It didn't help me against Mayweather, although I can't say that's why I lost.
"But I would appeal to the fans not to boo on Saturday."
The Mirror
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