Photos: Marlene Marquez

Ricky Hatton proved there is still fire in his belly as he demolished Paulie Malignaggi so badly that his corner threw in the towel which gave the 'Magic Man’ the first stoppage of his career.

Malignaggi was visually upset at the decision to throw in the towel, but well behind on points and needing a KO to win the fight (which was never going to happen, having only won by

KO 5 times in his career), it was probably the best decision by his corner.

Ricky 'Fatton' was in tremendous form for this one, and said after the fight that no-one will beat him at the 140 pound limit, and on this performance, there will be few who will doubt that sentiment.

It would however, turn out to be one of the only rounds he won.

Round 2 set the tone for the rest of the fight as Hatton caught Malignaggi with a huge right hand that had the Magic Man clinging on to save himself from hitting the canvas. Hatton piled

on the pressure much to the joy of the MGM arena, but Malignaggi somehow managed to hang on (literally).

Round 3: Much the same as the end of the second as Paulie held onto Hatton at every opportunity, he was hurting and it was obvious. Hatton sensed he had the upper hand and

countered a couple of times by leaping forward looking for a big KO, however, he missed on both occasions and really should have slowed things down

Round 4: Hatton was in total control, every time he flung forward you sensed a KO. Obvious Hatton is much more comfortable at this weight.

Round 5: A lot of holding, like two bears fighting, Malignaggi desperately trying to fend Hatton off with his jab, working to some affect but nothing is going to stop Hatton as he steams in

with more punishment.

Round 6: Malignaggi kept going low and bending his knees every time Hatton came at him, very odd and dangerous as he was leaving himself wide open.

Round 7: Hatton hit 'Magic Man' with a crisp left that nearly had Paulie down, he holds on though to see out the round. Malignaggi was throwing less and less at this point and was like

a turtle in his shell.

Round 8: By this round it was apparent that Paulie was not going to be allowed into his rhythm as Hatton just kept applying the pressure. However, a sneaky right hurt Hatton and stumbled

him, possibly winning the round for Malignaggi.

Round 9: Malignaggi was just holding on as Hatton threw some dangerous lefts that looked like they were beginning to take their toll on PM.

Round 10: More of the same in this round as Malignaggi again holds on for dear life. He was really struggling at this point and needed the KO to win the fight.

Round 11: Constant Hatton pressure and wicked body shots resulting in Buddy McGirt throwing in the towel, Malignaggi pushes him away in disgust, but the MGM goes wild and Hatton has

his victory, especially over his doubters.

The difference in this fight was Hatton's strength and Malignaggi's lack of it. If Maliganaggi had a KO punch in him it would have been a different fight but Hatton knew every time he came at Malignaggi, he could do so knowing that he wasn't going to get hurt.

In all fairness Hatton surprised a lot of the boxing community by his performance; maybe finally he will get the credit he deserves. After the devastating loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr, many fighters would have found it hard to keep going, but Hatton has done it. A dodgy comeback performance against Lazcano in Manchester has just been eradicated from the memory with this fight. This was his most impressive performance on US turf.

At the press conference afterwards, there was talk from Hatton about a possible match up with Oscar De La Hoya or Manny ''Pac-Man'' Pacquiao. Personally I would want to see the Pacquaio fight as I think the Oscar fight would merely be a money maker for buddies Oscar and Ricky instead of a spectacular match up, which would be Hatton Vs. Pacquaio.

Paulie Malignaggi was visually upset afterwards and seemed to be holding back the tears during his speech. But hats off to him as he graciously admitted he was beaten by the better fighter.

Hatton is back and like him or not, we are going to be seeing a lot more of him. Maybe there is time to turn some of you doubters into fans.....