By Mark Vester
WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan and Paulie Malignaggi met face to face in London, England to announce their May 15 clash in New York. Malignaggi promised to redeem himself for the bad to loss to Ricky Hatton from 2008. After weeks of bad blood and trash talking over the internet, they are ready to fight.
"I am a much better fighter today than when I fought Ricky Hatton," Malignaggi said. "I have been inconsistent a lot, but there have been shining moments where I have looked tremendously good, and I feel I am getting back to that point now. I feel sharp, and with a strong team around me. I am now coming into my own."
Khan watched multiple tapes of Malignaggi and claims to know everything about his style. He thinks the styles match up well. Khan promised to put on a show in America and return to England with the title still around his waist.
"We have watched a lot of tapes of Paulie, and we really think it is a style we can beat - with my style and his style, it is going to be electric. We both have heart and just don't quit. I respect Paulie, he has some great fights in the past and has a great record, beaten only by great fighters like Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto - but now there is another fighter coming out who is going to beat him," Khan said.
"I am confident, so is my trainer, and I just want to put on a great fight for the American fans and for the British fans who will be travelling out to the US with me. There is only going to be one winner - I am going to keep this title, it is mine."
Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya was present. He praised Khan and likes his chances to become a major star in the sport of boxing.
"We are witnessing history in the making," De La Hoya said. "We strongly feel Amir Khan can be the next great fighter to come out of England. He has a tough challenge in front of him, but we want to prove to the world he can become what we think he can become - that is a great champion."
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