Paulie Malignaggi has linked up with the Ricky Hatton Foundation ahead of his upcoming BKB title fight.
The former world champions fought in a star-studded Las Vegas showdown in 2008, with Hatton coming out on top. They became friends after the fact, and Malignaggi joined the boxing community in mourning the legend’s passing last year.
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Malignaggi is set to compete in Hatton’s hometown of Manchester on May 16 for the BKB super-welterweight world championship against Rolando Dy. And part of the proceeds from tickets for the show will go towards Hatton’s foundation
Paulie Malignaggi gets involved with Ricky Hatton’s charity ahead of Manchester fight
After over a decade of friendship, Paulie Malignaggi was left heartbroken when he learned of Ricky Hatton’s passing last year. Now, as he returns to the boxing icon’s hometown to fight, a proportion of ticket sales from his show will be donated directly to the foundation.
According to a press release, the money will go towards ‘supporting the Ricky Hatton Foundation’s ongoing work in mental health awareness, physical wellbeing, and community outreach’.
“When I think about coming back to Manchester, I think about Ricky,” Malignaggi explained. “Not just the fighter, but the man, and my friend.
“We shared the ring, but we also shared a mutual respect that grew into a friendship I’ve always valued. Supporting his foundation felt like the only right way to come back here and pay tribute to him and everything he stood for.”
Hatton’s former manager Paul Speak added: “Ricky always believed in giving back and using his platform to help others. The foundation continues that mission every day.
“What Paulie is doing here speaks volumes about the respect and friendship they shared. It’s a fitting tribute, and I know Ricky would have appreciated it enormously.”
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