By Miguel Rivera

The World Boxing Association has set the deadline of January 27 for a mandatory fight between welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi (32-4, 7KOs) and interim-beltholder Diego Chaves (22-0, 18KOs) of Argentina. Malignaggi captured the title in April and made a voluntary defense against Pablo Cesar Cano on October 20th. Chaves won the interim-crown in July and retained the belt on September 22nd against Jose Miranda.

Malignaggi has time to plan his next move and no decision will likely be made until after Ricky Hatton returns to ring on November 24th against Vyacheslav Senchenko. Malignaggi is the next opponent in line for Hatton. If the British star wins and a rematch with Malignaggi is pursued, expect a deal to be worked out with the WBA and Chaves.