By Jhonny Gonzalez
Former champion Marcos Maidana (33-3-0, 30KOs) wants to fight WBA welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi in 2013. Malignaggi is scheduled to defend his title on April 27th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Maidana says a single phone call can get the fight done.
"Next year I want to fight for the world title. I'd like to meet Paul Malignaggi. I have no problem [fighting him]. Just call me and I will fight," Maidana said.
Malignaggi's mandatory is Maidana's countryman Diego Chaves. Maidana does not believe Chaves is experienced enough for an opponent like Malignaggi.
Maidana told BoxingScene's Carlos Irusta: "Well, everyone wants to fight [Malignaggi], right? I would love to because one of the things that I look forward to doing next year is becoming world champion again. I believe Diego is a good boxer, but I feel that he is not yet mature enough for the top level. He is a fast, intelligent southpaw. We sparred many times."
And Maidana doesn't have any problems with countryman Lucas Matthysse. The two are not friends, but there is no bad blood either. Their promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, wants to have them fight each other in the future.
"I have no relationship with Lucas. We have no contact with each other. For me there is no itch or anything like that [to fight him]. I was very happy when he became champion. I want him to succeed. I hope we can both make the most of our careers and, at some point, remove the doubts [on which of us is better]," Maidana said.
