By Rick Reeno
Negotiations continue for an August 22 bout between former undisputed lightweight champion Juan Diaz and former junior welterweight champ Paulie Malignaggi. In a prior report, there appeared to be some confusion as to where the proposed return of Diaz would land. There was talk that Diaz's return could head off California but Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, advised BoxingScene.com that Diaz would return at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
"Juan Diaz will return on August 22 in Houston, Texas. We reserved the Toyota Center. HBO turned down Rolando Reyes. There are two fighters who were are talking to, but I don't want to disclose the names right now because it's still early," Schaefer said.
BoxingScene learned through another source that Malignaggi is indeed one of the two fighters being in line for the fight. HBO has approved Malignaggi as an opponent. If the two sides can agree on the weight, look for the fight to happen.
