RICKY HATTON’S brash world title rival lit the touchpaper for their grudge Las Vegas showdown by accusing him of being a dirty, over-rated fighter.

Paulie Malignaggi used to mug kids in New York’s ghettos for their pocket money.

Now the American boxer, who enters the ring in a blue glittery mask, is out to mug the Hitman next month and take his world light-middleweight crown.

Ordinary

And in a knockout Sport of the World exclusive Malignaggi snapped: “Hatton is a dirty fighter. If Ricky isn’t allowed to bend the rules he becomes a very ordinary fighter.

“His big reputation has allowed him to get away with things.”

THE HITMAN - Ricky Hatton

Although the November 22 fight is on Malignaggi’s turf, the ex-IBF champ fears judges will side with Hatton, who could face Oscar De La Hoya next year in one of boxing’s richest ever fights.

Hellish

Malignaggi, 27, added: “I’m worried the judges might side with him if it’s close. Ricky’s points win over Luis Collazo was also in the United States but I don’t think he deserved the decision.”

Malignaggi believes his hellish upbringing has given him the toughness to snatch the Briton’s IBO and Ring Magazine titles.

When Malignaggi was six, his dad Sebastiano walked out.

Malignaggi revealed: “I used to rob kids of money. I’d have ended in jail but boxing got me straight.”
Zrodlo: www.newsoftheworld.co.uk