Malignaggi-Ngoudjo Eyes Showtime Date on 1/5

By Mark Vester

After months of searching for an open TV date, promoter Lou DiBella is once again in talks with Showtime to pick up Paulie Malignaggi (23-1, 5 KOs) mandatory defense of the IBF junior welterweight title against Herman Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KOs).

According to boxing scribe Dan Rafael, Malignaggi-Ngoudjo may end up on Showtime's Jan. 5 show, the first of 2008. Malignaggi has not fought since his dominating title win over Lovemore Ndou in June.