Ricky Hatton vs Paulie Malignaggi

On November 22, 2008, the MGM Grand Las Vegas hosted the light welterweight match between Ricky Hatton and Paulie Malignaggi. This title bout, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, was for the IBO World Super-lightweight title, with Hatton making his third defense of the belt. The fight, featuring Manchester-born Hatton (44-1-0) and Brooklyn-native Malignaggi (25-1-0), was showcased live on HBO World Championship Boxing. Referee Kenny Bayless officiated the match, which saw Hatton weighing in at 140 lbs and Malignaggi at 139 lbs.

The fight began with both fighters exercising caution, as Malignaggi skillfully countered and jabbed Hatton from a distance. The second round saw Hatton being outboxed, but he managed to stun Malignaggi with a right hand during the final minute. In the third round, Hatton picked up the pace, relentlessly pursuing Malignaggi and landing powerful shots to the head and body.

Malignaggi attempted to maintain distance and continue boxing in the fourth round, but Hatton pressed on with stronger and more forceful shots. The fifth round saw Hatton continuing his aggressive approach, landing harder punches. In the sixth round, Malignaggi circled and jabbed Hatton, who persisted in chasing his opponent. Hatton closed the distance in the seventh round, landing hard lefts that rocked Malignaggi.

The eighth round began with Malignaggi landing a solid right, but Hatton quickly responded with a powerful left. Hatton then landed an uppercut, which visibly shook Malignaggi. In the ninth round, a swinging left hook from Hatton pushed Malignaggi back, and Hatton continued to focus on his opponent's body, doubling his power punch output.

The tenth round saw Malignaggi counter Hatton with left-hand counters as Hatton pressed forward. However, during the eleventh round, Malignaggi absorbed heavy punches from Hatton. Although Malignaggi did not appear too hurt, his trainer, Buddy McGirt, decided his fighter had taken enough punishment and threw in the towel. Ricky Hatton emerged victorious, defeating Paulie Malignaggi by TKO at 0:48 in the eleventh round, successfully defending his IBO World Super-lightweight Title.