Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) scored a eleventh round TKO over Paulie Malignaggi (25-2, 5 KOs) on Saturday night in a clash for the IBO jr welterweight belt on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Hatton punished the outgunned Magilnaggi the entire night and the bout ended at :28 of round eleven when Malignaggi’s trainer Buddy McGirt threw in the towel.
Unbeaten middleweight James Kirkland (24-0, 21 KOs) continued his reign of terror wit an eighth round TKO of Andy Lee-conqueror Brian Vera (16-2, 10 KOs). Kirkland dropped Vera twice in round two and punished Vera until the eighth when he floored Vera again, prompting a referee’s stoppage a few moments later. Time was 1:45.
Welterweight Matthew Hatton (35-4-1, 13 KOs) defeated Ben Tackie (29-11-1, 17 KOs) by ten round unanimous decision. Two judges had it 98-92 and the third 97-93. No knockdowns but Hatton looked quite impressive.
In a huge upset, WBO #1 junior featherweight Rey Bautista (26-2, 19 KOs) was soundly defeated by former Heriberto Ruiz (40-7-2, 23 KOs). Ruiz dropped Bautista in round three and Bautista was deducted a point for a low blow in the seventh. Scores were 80-70, 78-72 and 77-73. There were many head clashes throughout the bout, with Bautista being cut badly in the third.
Former WBC super featherweight champion Sirimongkol Singwancha (60-2, 34 KOs), now campaigning as a welterweight, won an eight round majority decision over Rogelio Castaneda (24-15-3, 8 KOs). Scores were 80-72, 78-74, 76-76.
All photos by John Gichigi