Former IBF junior welterweight titlist Paulie Malignaggi (27-4, 5 KOs) has announced today that he’s officially signed to Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.
Malignaggi broke the news via his Twitter account. Lou DiBella was Malignaggi’s previous promoter, but the Brooklyn fighter brought out his contract and severed ties amicably following his TKO loss to Amir Khan in May.
Malignaggi, who competes at junior welterweight, had his mind set on making a run overseas for European title. Although raised in Brooklyn, Malignaggi can legally compete for the title since he was born in Italy. The 140 pound title is currently held by undefeated Irish fighter Paul McCloskey (21-0, 11 KOs).
Malignaggi joins 12 other junior welterweights on Golden Boy’s roster, including Victor Ortiz, Amir Khan, Nate Campbell and Marcos Maidana.
At press time, Golden Boy is eliciting fan feedback on Twitter to help decide who Paulie Malignaggi’s next opponent should be.
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Not a bad move from the Magic Man. Being that Malignaggi and Amir Khan have gotten chummy over the last month, I wonder if he sought the UK fighter’s advice on this signing.
It’ll be interesting to see if Malignaggi still attempts to try his European run. Golden Boy doesn’t really have much pull in that market. If he can, it’ll give him the chance to make money in some easy fights. Matthew Hatton, brother of Ricky, is currently the European welterweight champ. Being that Malignaggi has already fought Ricky Hatton, facing off against Matthew might help generate a good payday for Paulie. And if he’s looking for a challenge, he could consider someone like Andriy Kotelnik.
Here in the States Malignaggi has a few decent options. He’s already lost to Khan, and I would hope Golden Boy didn’t sign him just to feed him to their other star hopeful Victor Ortiz. If the European tour isn’t a go, Malignaggi should look to make a fight with Nate Campbell. The bout itself wouldn’t be the greatest, but both excel at trash talking and would build it into a solid undercard fight. And if Malignaggi and Golden Boy decide to look outside their stable, a Zab Judah fight would be an all-Brooklyn showdown that would generate coverage.
Paulie Malignaggi is 29 years old. Not an ancient fighter, but he’s slowed down and this was a deal to secure his financial future in boxing. He may not ever capture another world title, but I’m certain the Magic Man has a few more competitive fights left in him.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 