Malignaggi wants to fight Zaveck for his IBF title

By Boxing News - 02/23/2011 - Comments

Image: Malignaggi wants to fight Zaveck for his IBF titleBy Dan Ambrose: Former IBF light welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi (28-4, 6 KO’s) is interested in taking on IBF welterweight champion Jan Zaveck (31-1, 18 KO’s) for his paper title. Of the current welterweight champions, Zaveck is one of the champions that many boxing fans consider a paper champion, and not considered as legit as guys like WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto and WBO champ Manny Pacquiao. Malignaggi, 30, recently moved up to the welterweight division after running out of luck as a light welterweight.

The weight gain appears to have helped Malignaggi, as he looked impressive and powerful in his first fight at welterweight against Michael Lozada last December, stopping him in the 6th round of a one-sided fight. Now Malignaggi has set his sights on the 34-year-old Zaveck, who has defended his IBF title three times since capturing it in 2009 with a 3rd round TKO win over Isaac Hlatshwayo.

Speaking on his twitter account, Malignaggi said “I want Zaveck’s belt. It will look great around my waist. Let him know if he wants to come knock on the United States’ door, I’m here.”

Malignaggi is ranked #11 WBO and #14 WBC. He’s in luck that Zaveck, after milking his IBF title with two meaningless fights against obscure opposition, he’s now looking to get a fight against a well known fighter so that he can start making a name for himself. Malignaggi would be the ideal opponent, because if Zaveck were to fight someone too good, he’d likely lose. A fight between Malignaggi and Zaveck would have to be considered a toss up. If Malignaggi can keep moving all fight long, he might be too quick for the plodding Zaveck. A win for Malignaggi would put him in a good position to take on fighters like Berto or possibly even Manny Pacquiao.

Zaveck recently defeated #15 ranked IBF contender Paul DeGado last weekend by a 5th round knockout.



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