By Rick Reeno

The negotiations for Amir Khan vs. Paulie Malignaggi have hit a wall with HBO. Talks continue to finalize Khan's American debut against Malignaggi for May 15 on HBO.

Multiple sources have advised BoxingScene.com that Khan's deal with Golden Boy Promotions guarantees him a minimum of over $1 million dollars from American television [not counting his British TV money]. Not only is Khan's HBO minimum a high number, it's actually higher than what most of the other HBO regulars receive.

HBO, from what I've heard, is unwilling to pay enough money to economically satisfy all of the financial factors involved, which include Khan's minimum, Malignaggi's purse and the televised co-feature between Victor Ortiz and Nate Campbell. If I had to estimate, this card will likely cost HBO between $2-3 million dollars. Talks are also ongoing to stage the event at the WaMu Theater in New York's Madison Square Garden, but industry insiders believe the economics involved will push the event to Las Vegas, Atlantic City or some other location that presents a better guarantee and/or upside.

When reached for comment, Malignaggi's promoter Lou DiBella would not discuss the specifics but confirmed there is no deal. He will continue negotiating with Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer over the next few days.

"The deal is not done. We are still negotiating," DiBella told BoxingScene.com.

The reality of everything is simple common sense. Khan, while talented, has absolutely no following or buzz in the United States. Khan needs Malignaggi more than Malignaggi needs Khan. He needs an opponent who is recognizable to the average HBO viewer. Malignaggi has appeared on HBO at least five times, and that doesn't include his televised fights on Showtime, Versus, and ESPN.

Khan's minimum is going to become a factor in future negotiations with just about any recognizable name. When you have a fighter who is recognizable with the American audience and has a certain level of notoriety, you have the option of taking the fight to pay-per-view if the television money is inadequate. Not in this situation because Khan is an unknown in the United States. It is going to be interesting to see if HBO puts up more money, or if Khan shifts some of his guaranteed money to make the event come together.