Haye: Hatton must beat Malignaggi for sake of career
Friday, 21 Nov 2008 22:37
Ricky Hatton's career could be over if he loses to Paulie Malignaggi, David Haye claims
Ricky Hatton's career could potentially be over if he loses to Paulie Malignaggi, British heavyweight David Haye has said.
Hatton takes on Malignaggi in Las Vegas on Saturday at the same venue where he lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr last year.
The Manchester boxer is now trained by Mayweather's father and has claimed he is in the best condition for years.
Speaking to the BBC, however, Haye insisted that Hatton had to beat the Malignaggi for the sake of his career.
"If he loses this fight then I think his time as a big-time fighter is probably over," he said.
"If he can't beat a Paulie Malignaggi, then I'd say what's the point?"
Hatton himself has hinted at the fact he may quit if he loses tomorrow's bout, but Haye suggested that victory could set up another box office fight like the one last year against Mayweather.
"If he does beat him he could be looking at another mega fight with the winner of Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao," he said.
"That's about as big as you're going to get in boxing."