By Reynaldo 'El Papi Chulo' Sanchez
Former two division world champion Paulie Malignaggi is enjoying himself at the WBC's 54th annual convention, which is currently ongoing in Florida. Malignaggi expressed his appreciation to the WBC and their President Mauricio Sulaiman.
Paulie briefly chatted with Ringsidefightingnews/BoxingScene.com about his plans and also, about the possibility of a fight with Ricky Burns, who is the WBA super lightweight world champion.
Malignaggi would love to get a crack at the European welterweight championship - "My team has talked about that possibility, and I will like that fight a lot. It is something that my grandfather would like, and we don't rule out doing it in 2017."
Malignaggi revealed that his team has received some news about a possible fight against Burns on UK soil. Malignaggi really likes that fight, but there is question on whether or not he's capable of getting down to 140-pounds.
Malignnagi (36-7, 7KOs) has been competing in the welterweight division since 2010. Even Malignaggi questions whether or not his body is capable of getting down there. He was last seen in the ring back in July, when he won a twelve round unanimous decision over hometown rival Gabe Bracero at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
"This fight against Burns can be done between March and April of 2017. It's a very good opportunity to win a title and make history. However, making the weight of 140 pounds will be a very difficult task," Malignaggi said.
"My body says yes, but it will not be easy. At this stage of my career the weight is a very important factor and we must plan it with great care. What if, 3 weeks before the fight with Burns I can't reach the weight? I have to sit down with my work team to analyze all of this and make the best decision."
"We must make a decision in early 2017. If the money is correct and the physical conditions can be reached, we will be announcing that fight very soon."
