Not that I think Witter and Malinaggi wouldnt be a stern test and possibly beat Hatton. Its just kind of classless to taunt a guy into a fight after being tko'd. especially malinaggi's rant was extremely distasteful. Its the first time in recent memory that all these challengers are calling out the guy that lost.(usually its the winner who gets the attn) At least Witter has a bridge to burn after being in his shadow and Hattons past comments. I hope Hatton takes at least one tune up fight before getting in with the likes of those 2. Id really like to see him beat one of those guys and then invite Diaz to move up to 140. HAve Witter go to NYC and let the winner get a big date and payday in MAnchester against Hatton.
It's the $$$$$$$$$$$. I imagine Hatton is the envy of every professional boxer right now because of his HUMONGOUS and extremely LOYAL fanbase. Fighters know if they can get a Hatton fight they are guaranteed to be fighting in a full house, get big time media attention, and likely good TV numbers. I expect Hatton to be the most called out fighter this side of Oscar de La Hoya. PBF is a smart man. He saw that sold out house and big time fanbase for the Castillo fight. PBF been called worse than boring I'm sure by people wanting to fight him, but that fight was done deal hardly a week later.:deal
Malignaggi and Witter are calling him out because he is still regarded as the #1 in their division by boxrec, the Ring, and a majority of fans and writers. He is 'the man', so of course he is going to be called out by those who want the bragging rights that go along with that, regardless of whether or not he lost at a higher weight. Of course neither 140 lber is going to call out the winner of the fight, who prior to it had just won a championship at 154.
even if you get a 90/10 split on the takings in a fight with hatton you're going to make a lot of money, and yes he is no 1 at light welter. everyone knows floyd isnt going to 140 and that hatton is, and he's still got the crown. It makes sense on a lot of levels, least of all they're all thinking 'i can do a mayweather too.'
also, auggie, your usage of the "bridge to burn" cliche is nonsensical in this context - i believe the one you were looking for is "axe to grind". :yep
I lost a lot of respect for Malignaggi but I agree with pipe wrenched 100% But I gotta say that I think it's distasteful, and doesn't really make you look good.
I don't think its classless, its really a good move. Malignaggi knows that he's not perceived as being at the same level Hatton is. He knows that the media and the pubic will perceive Hatton taking the fight with him as "taking a deserved tune up fight after a hard loss". Hatton gets his tune up, and Malignaggi gets his chance to elevate his status.
They've BEEN calling Hatton out before he even fought Mayweather.. Where have you been? Witter has been calling him out for YEARS and Hatton has been ducking him. Malganaggi called him out a few times too. It's not classless to call him out again. He only lost to the best fighter to lace up them mutha fuggin gwoves! lol
have witter and pauli fight each other. with the winner getting hatton after he has tuneup. it just odd the guy who lost is the one getting barraged with taunts to fight. its usually the other way around. I am aware Witter has been chasing Hatton for a fight for years and if he were to go to the states for a pauili fight it would get both more credibility for $$$$$$ vs Hatton. This was the first of it Ive seen with malinaggi. plus he might want to clear ngoudu first.
I think it's crazy that Witter wants a 50/50 share of the purse...what planet is he on because the guy can't sell out a sports gym 50 miles from his home base. Junior and Malignaggi need to get HBO on their side to make a fight with Ricky happen...both would give him a hell of a fight.
PPV generates the most money not a full house...Hatton has never been a big PPV #'s until he fought Floyd...I do not think he will do big #'s with many other fighters...The live gate is not where the money is at...
