Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
‘Chino’keen to start negotiations with Malignaggi
WBA light-welterweight champion Marcos Maidana has shown an
interest in moving up to 147lbs to take on former 140lb belt holder Paulie
Malignaggi in a Stateside battle next February.
The Argentinian has been scouting a new opponent for some
time with the like of Erik Morales, Paul McCloskey and Robert Guerrero touted
as potential foes but without the bouts coming to fruition.
The 28 year-old, who successfully defended his title in September
for the first time beating Petr Petrov easily in four rounds, is now keen to
see if his promoters Golden Boy can set up a meeting to get the ball rolling.
“I thank god that Paulie Malignaggi has the balls to fight
me!” stated the South American.
“I remember Malignaggi against Cotto and Juan Diaz, tough
guy!
“Now let’s wait and see if the negotiations. They are always
tough, but’s it’s an attractive fight.”
Malignaggi, 30, defeated Orlando Lora last month and when
hearing about a possible date in February being open to face Maidana, duly put
his name forward to meet the light-welterweight if he is ready to move up the
weights.
Both fighters are signed to Oscar De La Hoya’s popular
promotional operation and it could be a valid fight if Maidana is willing to
add the seven pounds and jeopardise his newly acquired WBA belt.