HBO Interested in Diaz-Malignaggi rematch; Donaire, Tszyu – News

By Boxing News - 09/04/2009 - Comments

By Dave Lahr: HBO is reportedly interested in putting together a rematch between light welterweight contender Paulie Malignaggi (26-3, 5 KO’s) and Juan Diaz (35-2, 17 KO’s), according to the latest boxing news. However, before a fight between the two could be arranged, a number of things would have to be ironed out, such as location of the bout and what weight the fight would take place at.

For obvious reasons, it would be unsuitable for the fight to take place again in Diaz’s home town of Houston, Texas, because the judges seemed to be watching a different one from the one that took place that night. They scored it 118-110, 115-113 and 116-112, whereas an overwhelming out of boxing fans on the internet thought that Malignaggi should have been given the victory.

I, too, had Malignaggi winning the fight, but I wasn’t in the least surprised that the judges screwed up the scoring for the fight because the same thing had happened in a recent bout between hometown fighter Rocky Juarez vs. WBA featherweight champion Chris John, with the judges scoring the fight a 12 round draw, even though John appeared to easily win the fight.

Besides the location of a second Diaz-Malignaggi bout, they would have to decide whether to have the bout fought at a catch weight again or at the full 140 pound weight limit, the normal limit for the light welterweight division.

Diaz, a lightweight, wanted the catch weight because he was moving up in weight for the fight. However, it’s highly unlikely that Malignaggi would be interested in fighting at a catch weight a second time unless they make it worth his while by giving him more money for his efforts.

Diaz, 25, is hoping to cash in on his victory over Malignaggi to get a fight against the winner of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto fight. Diaz also would like to fight Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather Jr. or a rematch against Juan Manuel Marquez. Diaz was beaten by Marquez in a 9th round stoppage in February, and would like to avenge his loss.

***

Donaire recovering from 104 degree Fever

Interim World Boxing Association super flyweight champion Nonito Donaire (22-1, 14 KO’s) is recovering from a serious high fever of 104, which caused him to be hospitalized. Donaire suddenly became ill on Thursday evening and needed to be hospitalized shortly after. It is thought that the fever developed from a mosquito bite.

Donaire, 25, is coming off an unimpressive performance against Rafael Concepcion on August 15th. Donaire won the fight by a 12-round decision, but took a great deal of punishment in the fight and was hardly dominating in the grueling 12 round fight. Despite his unimpressive performance, Donaire plans on continuing to move in weight hoping to win additional titles.

***

Kostya Tszyu’s son wins Golden Gloves title

The son of boxing great Kostya Tszyu, Tim Tszyu, 14, recently won the Australian Golden Gloves competition for the junior welterweight class. Tszyu, who looks very much like his famous father, has stopped four of his five opponents and is currently undefeated in amateur competition. According to reports, the young Tszyu is very aggressive in the ring and has a fighting style similar to his father Kostya.

Hopefully, the young Tszyu can keep his boxing career moving forward and at some point in the future possibly six to ten years from now, turn pro and seek out a title. At 14, Tszyu has a long time to go before he’s ready for the pro ranks.



Comments are closed.