By James Robson, Asian News
PAULIE Malignaggi wants to be the man to bring Amir Khan crashing down to earth.
Malignaggi, who was the last man defeated by Ricky Hatton in 2008, is hoping to be WBA light-welterweight champion Khan's first opponent Stateside.
The Bolton star is hoping to break into America in 2010 after winning his first world title last year. It is likely that Khan's next fight will be against mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana - probably in the UK - following his stunning first round victory against Dmitry Salita in December.
But when he eventually makes the step over the other side of the Atlantic, Malignaggi is desperate to be the one to give him a red hot reception.
"My team told me Amir wanted one more fight in England to hype things up then we'd fight at the Garden later in the year," said the WBO light-welterweight king.
"Over here we talk about Amir like he will be England's next superstar, that once in a generation superstar like Ricky Hatton or Naseem Hamed.
Hooked
"The first live fight I saw was Hamed against Kevin Kelley and I was hooked after that.
"I know Ross Greenberg at HBO and Lou DiBella like the comparisons to Hamed-Kelley, the UK superstar making his US debut against a brash New Yorker at the Garden."
Malignaggi lost his IBO title to Hatton after an 11th round knockout by the Hitman in November 2008.
He then lost on points to Juan Diaz when challenging for the WBO crown, only to avenge that defeat in December.
The 29-year-old's star is now back on the rise and was even considered as a possible opponent for Manny Pacquiao before the pound-for-pound number one confirmed he would take on Joshua Clottey.
His outspoken ways could make him an ideal opponent to help Khan make an immediate impact in America.
Source: theasiannews.co.uk
Malinaggi might get what he wished for...kiss the canvas...Khan is a dangerous fighter mentored by Roach...He is an upcoming star with a lot of firepower and heart. Unlike Malinaggi who is the other side of the coin. A terrible mismatch.
ReplyDeleteMalignaggi is like a sex maniac desperately hoping to get laid. Unfortunately for him, his fists are so frail devoiding any possibilities of seeing him in an exciting or thrilling fight. What he normally does to catch the attention of boxing fans is by thrash talking. This is how he fills seats when he fights.
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