By Chris LaBate

WBA junior welterweight champion Marcos Maidana (31-2, 28KOs) has accepted a recent challenge from Paulie Malignaggi (30-4, 6KOs), for a clash in February 2012. Maidana is considering a possible move to 147-pounds, and Malignaggi issued a challenge during a recent interview on BoxingScene.com.

"I think it's a great fight. Everybody knows that I always want to fight the best and get myself into big fights. I like the challenge of fighting the best. It's a challenge to myself to take on a fighter like Maidana. I want to challenge him to a fight. I know his adviser said that he's looking at Mayweather and Berto right off that bat. If he doesn't get those fights, I think me and him is a solid fight. I'm on a three fight win streak. I'm a welterweight who moved up from junior welterweight like him. If he wants to fight in February, I'm available," Malignaggi told BoxingScene.com.

Maidana likes the idea and he's interested in the fight. Both boxers are promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

"Malignaggi challenged me for February. I'm in for it. Now it's up to my promoter Golden Boy. Malignaggi has balls..he proved it versus [Miguel] Cotto and others. It would be a great fight I think," Maidana responded.