Malignaggi: Molina's Activity is Key in Upset of Broner

By Rick Reeno

MGM Grand, Las Vegas - Former two division world champion Paulie Malignaggi is giving the underdog, John Molina (27-5, 22KOs), a shot to upset Adrien Broner (29-1, 22KOs) on March 7th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. NBC will televise the fight as part of their new boxing series with Haymon Boxing.

Broner, a former three division world champion, won a close twelve round split decision over Malignaggi in 2013. Malignaggi was able to outwork Broner in many of the rounds. But Malignaggi, due to a lack in power, was never able to dent Broner's chin. That's where Molina's danger comes in, as most regard him as one of the biggest one-punch hitters in the sport.

Although Broner has won his last two, Malignaggi is still seeing the same defects in keeping a consistent pace of activity.

"That's a good fight. Broner is his own worst enemy. He doesn't get off with his punches a lot of the time. He stands there waiting a lot and allows the other guy to get off. That gives a chance for a guy like Molina to work and land heavy shots," Malignaggi told BoxingScene.com.

"[Like everyone else] I'm sure Broner also knows [Molina] throws [big shots]. And at the same time, the fight will evolve in a certain way as it goes on, because again Broner has a lot of empty spots within rounds that allow the other guy to work, that allow the other guy to take over the action. This fight will be interesting."