Paulie Malignaggi

Paulie Malignaggi says he is ready to take Ricky Hatton's mantle as the world's best 140-pounder.

The New Yorker defends his IBF light-welterweight title against Lovemore N'dou as chief support to the Hitman's Homecoming showdown with Juan Lazcano on Saturday.

If successful Malignaggi and Hatton will face off, probably in New York, later this year. And Malignaggi, who has already said the Mancunian is merely a stepping stone to a rematch with Miguel Cotto, says he will come out on top.

"Ricky's not a great fighter," he said. "The best fighter I have fought is Miguel Cotto and he would knock Ricky out. Ricky will not fight Mayweather ever again because when he gets in the ring it's over.

"But I am a great fighter and I am going to show people I am a great fighter. This is a big year for me and by the end of the year the truth will come out.

"I am in my prime and I am going to do a job on Ricky."

His remarks are likely to ensure a hostile reception from a post-war record crowd of 55,000 at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday night.

Malignaggi is favourite to beat N'dou for a second time - he won the IBF strap against him last June - and is so confident he says he will put on a show for the Manchester public.

"You will be seeing and hearing a lot about me in the next few months, " he said.

"There is real anticipation. People have heard about me but now they can see what this kid is really about.

"I plan to be doing a little bit of razzle-dazzle in the ring. As long as the crowd make noise I will be in my element, whether it is booing or cheering. The main thing is I get a reaction of some kind."

Malignaggi weighed in for the fight at 9st 13lbs 11oz, five ounces inside the limit, while N'dou tipped the scales at 9st 13lbs.