By Rick Reeno
Former junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi (27-4, 5KOs) has confirmed BoxingScene.com's recent story about his possible participation on the Jean Pascal-Bernard Hopkins undercard on December 18 at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec.
Malignaggi will begin the next chapter of his career as he enters the ring for the first time since signing a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions. Malignaggi had previously been promoted by Lou DiBella before the two parted ways a few months ago. Malignaggi will also begin his run in the welterweight division. Citing weight struggles, Malignaggi will no longer compete at 140-pounds.
"That's what we're going to do. I'll be fighting on December 18th. I don't know yet if they're going to show the fight on TV. We're going to fight in December and I hope to get something big in early 2011," Malignaggi said to BoxingScene.com.
Erik Morales, now fighting between 140-147-pounds, will have his next fight televised on the Pascal-Hopkins pay-per-view. Morales' fight will be carried via split-feed from Mexico. Malignaggi, unaware of his split-feed status, had inquired about fighting Morales on the card.
"When I heard Erik Morales was going to be on the show, I asked about fighting him but they told he wasn't fighting in Canada, that his fight would be in Mexico. I don't know who I'm fighting yet," Malignaggi said.
Malignaggi is expecting big things for 2011.
"I'm real excited about boxing again, and about everything going on in my life. I have a lot of things going on outside of boxing. I can't wait to get in the ring in December. I hope to have something big in early 2011. I'm very happy that I'm with a promoter like Golden Boy. I want all of my fans in Quebec to come to the show," Malignaggi said.
