Hatton -v- Malignaggi MGM Grand – ready to rumble ;-)

The bout might be between a Brit and an American Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, but there’s little doubt who the raucous crowd will stand behind inside the Strip casino come Saturday night.

Not so fast with those American flags Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton has returned to Las Vegas and brought with him another strong contingent of British boxing fans to go along with the American supporters he won over last December.

“I think all the fans that have bought tickets that have come over from Britain and the fans from the United States have given us fantastic support,” said Hatton, who sports a 44-1 career mark, with his lone loss coming at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr., last winter.

“I always get treated well by the American people, the American fight fans, especially in Las Vegas and it’s a pleasure to come back.”

The Hatton camp knows that the infusion of Brits who came over for the Hatton-Mayweather fight will not be topped, but it is are hopeful somewhere around 8,000 members of the “Hitman’s” army will attend the 12-round title fight.

Of course, the boisterous Brits bring with them their cheery songs and ringing soccer cheers, which includes a popular verse based off “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” that goes:

There’s only one Ricky Hatton,

One Ricky Hatton,

Walking along,

Singing this song,

Walking in a Hatton wonderland.

“British fans are generally known for that, but Ricky Hatton fans can be a little on the noisy side,” said a smiling Hatton, about his enormous support.

“It makes you feel very proud. I think the fans look at me as more a friend, rather than a British sportsman. Both British and American fans have really supported me well, and I want to make them proud.”

That’s why after his loss to Mayweather Jr., and lackluster showing against Juan Lazcano in front of some 50,000 of his countrymen in Manchester, England, Hatton new a change was needed.

He switched trainers from Billy Graham, the only teacher he’d ever had, to Floyd Mayweather Sr., the father of the only fighter to ever beat him.

“I’m not going to change my style, I’ve worked too long,” Hatton said. “I think that Floyd’s polished me up in certain areas, though.

“Many fights I’ve shown my boxing ability and sometimes I’ve show that I’ve got the boxing ability, but don’t always show it. I’m working with a trainer now that’s slowing me down and letting me work on different things and this Saturday night, I’m going to show it.”

Hatton’s brother, Matthew, said he’s seen the new-found determination on his brother’s face.

“It’s been a different training camp. I’ve seen a big improvement in him,” said Matthew, who shared the long runs up Mount Charleston with his brother during their long training camp in Las Vegas.

“He’s really up for this fight. I’m expecting good things from him.”

– Andy Samuelson

Ricky Hatton to fight Malignaggi at MGM Grand, Las Vegas 22nd November

Further to article below Ricky “the Hitman” Hatton has apparently  confirmed he will be fighting at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas on the 22nd November this Year. The bout will take place in the MGM Grand Garden Arena where he has his only defeat of his career against Floyd Mayweather las year.

“Ricky Hatton looks certain to confirm he has switched his next fight from New York to Las Vegas, as exclusively revealed by The Times earlier this week, in order to save his army supporters money in the build up to Christmas.

The 29-year-old IBO light-welterweight champion is due to fight Paulie Malignaggi, holder of the equivalent IBF belt, in November, and reportedly had his heart set on a bout at Madison Square Garden. Hatton has always dreamed of topping the bill at the legendary venue, where New Yorker Malignaggi is also a big draw.

But the Manchester-born fighter says that fighting in New York could be significantly more expensive for his travelling supporters and so is prepared to return to the scene of his only defeat, December’s 10th-round knockout by Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand, on November 15 or 22.

Hatton’s father and promoter Ray said: “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.
“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.”

Source Times online

Book your hotel as soon as you can, if you book direct, with any MGM Mirage resort you only pay the first night as a deposit, if your plans change (or Ricky’s do) you can get your deposit back with no penalty. If you book direct you get the best possible rate as there is no middleman, if the arte goes down after you book and you contact the hotel and they will drop your rate but in my opinion once they know the fight is on the rates will soar so book early. Beneath are the best offers currently available for dates covering the 22nd November. Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York and Monte Carlo are all an easy short walk from MGM Grand.

MGM Grand Specal internet offers

Excalibur, free upgrade to Widescreen room, $25 dining credit 2 for 1 tickets for tournament of kings form $51 per night

Excalibur Stay and Pay from $51

Mirage from $72 a night

Luxor various offers from about $68ish>

New York New York free room upgrade

Circus Circus from $41 but non refundable and a long way down the Strip