Paulie Malignaggi will honor Ricky Hatton during bare-knuckle title fight in Manchester

Paulie Malignaggi has linked up with the Ricky Hatton Foundation ahead of his upcoming BKB title fight.

The previous world champions fought in a star-studded Las Vegas showdown in 2008, with Hatton coming out on top. They became friends after the very fact, and Malignaggi joined the boxing community in mourning the legend’s passing last yr.

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Malignaggi is about to compete in Hatton’s hometown of Manchester on May 16 for the BKB super-welterweight world championship against Rolando Dy. And a 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 yr. Now, as he returns to the boxing icon’s hometown to fight, a proportion of ticket sales from his show can be donated on to the inspiration.

In accordance with a press release, the cash will go towards ‘supporting the Ricky Hatton Foundation’s ongoing work in mental health awareness, physical wellbeing, and community outreach’.

“After I take into consideration coming back to Manchester, I take into consideration Ricky,” Malignaggi explained. “Not only the fighter, however the man, and my friend.

“We shared the ring, but we also shared a mutual respect that grew right into a friendship I’ve all the time valued. Supporting his foundation felt just like the only right technique to come back here and pay tribute to him and every thing he stood for.”

Hatton’s former manager Paul Speak added: “Ricky all the time believed in giving back and using his platform to assist others. The inspiration continues that mission each day.

“What Paulie is doing here speaks volumes in regards to the respect and friendship they shared. It’s a fitting tribute, and I do know Ricky would have appreciated it enormously.”