By Ryan Burton
Former junior welterweight champion Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi (28-4) is looking forward to his April 9th clash with Jose Miguel Cotto (32-2-1). The fight takes place on the televised undercard to the Erik Morales-Marcos Maidana main event. Maliginaggi is attempting to make a run at a world title in the welterweight division. This will be the Italian American's second fight at 147 pounds. His first was a knockout victory over Michael Lozada this past December.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to fight once again under the bright lights of Las Vegas, " Malignaggi told Boxingscene.com
Jose Cotto is the older brother of Miguel Cotto, who defeated Malignaggi via unanimous decision in 2006. Malignaggi feels a win over Miguel's older brother will put him in the mix for a shot at a title.
"Jose Cotto is solid but he's a guy I'm looking at where a win against him pushes me even higher up the ladder in the welterweight division, I have to thank Golden Boy for getting me fights like this where I can be in a position to once again climb my way back to a championship level. I'm hoping a win over Cotto is a springboard to a world title fight."
Cotto bounced back from last May's TKO loss to Saul "Canelo" Alvarez by defeating journeyman Chris Henry in November. Cotto's other loss was at the hands of former lightweight champion Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz.
Malignaggi feels that as a former champion, all he needs is one good win and he will be in the mix for another title shot.
"Because I'm a former world champion I don't have to take as long re-establishing myself like some other fighters who aren't former champs. The advantage former world champions have is that we're always a good win or two away from being back where we want to be. Again I definitely have to thank Golden Boy for this opportunity."
Malignaggi-Cotto takes place on the Morales-Maidana HBO pay per view undercard at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on April 9th.
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