 Hatton however refused the IBF's demand that he fight Ndou for the IBF World Light Welterweight Title, instead scheduling a fight against José Luis Castillo.Following Hatton's decision, the IBF stripped Hatton of the IBF World Light Welterweight Title, awarding Ndou the title on 12 February 2007.Ndou lost his first title defense on 16 June 2007 against American Paul Malignaggi in Uncasville, Connecticut, USA.