Former IBF light welterweight Champion Paulie Malignaggi has left Lou DiBella and signed a three-year deal with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.
Despite also losing three world title tilts at 140lbs, the 29 year-old has also decided to move up to welterweight. He is finding it increasingly difficult to get down to light welterweight.
Malignaggi has lost three out of his last five bouts, the last of which was a comprehensive eleventh-round KO defeat to WBA Champion Amir Khan. The Italian-American will be looking to hit the ground running at 147lbs with his next opponent yet to be named.
One man being mentioned by Malignaggi himself is European Welterweight Champion Matthew Hatton. “Magic” Matthew is Ricky’s brother, who knocked Paulie out in eleven rounds in November 2008.
“The Magic Man” will certainly have to come up with a new style and strategy at the higher weight as he is not a known puncher. He will be in against much bigger men at 147.
Golden Boy has plenty of options for Malignaggi as the ex-world ruler seeks another shot at the title. The New Yorker has time on his side to come again despite those high-profile defeats.
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