Malignaggi: 51-49% That Alexander Beats Kell Brook

By Bill Emes

WBA welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi is very interested in the outcome of the high stakes contest between IBF champ Devon Alexander(24-1, 13KOs)  and undefeated mandatory challenger Kell Brook (29-0, 19KOs) of England, which takes place on January 19th in the United States.

Malignaggi expects a very close fight where the better prepared boxer will come out on top, but he gives a slight edge to Alexander.

"It's a skilled fight. It's two skilled fighters. It's exciting for me that this fight is happened. If you want a toughman contest, you're not going to get it. If you want elite, skilled boxing - you watch Brook vs. Alexander because that's what you're going to get. The fact the fight is happening in the U.S. can carry it for Devon, but it's close - 51 to 49%  I'm leaning towards Devon. If it was in England, it would say 51-49 [in the other direction]," Malignaggi said.

"It's the kind of fight where you fight one week and Kell might win and you fight one week later and Devon might win. Devon is a lot more experienced than him at the high level and I think that makes a difference."