By Dan Ambrose: Former light welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi (29-4, 6 KO’s) will be fighting for the third time as a welterweight on October 15th against Orlando Lora (29-1-1, 19 KO’s) in a scheduled 10 round bout at the Staples Center, in Los Angeles, California.
Malignaggi, ranked #3 WBA, #9 WBC, #9 WBO, #11 IBF, moved up to the welterweight division because he wanted to chase down a title against one of the champions. However, since moving up in weight last year Malignaggi has been taking it incredibly slow, facing 2nd tier opposition repeatedly.
You have to wonder when the guy is going to step it up. Lora, 30, is more of the same weak opposition that Malignaggi’s been fighting. Lora may have an impressive looking record in terms of wins and losses, but hasn’t ever beaten anyone. The marginally quality fighter he’s fought is David Estrada, who easily beat Lora by an 8th round stoppage last year in April.
It’s easy to see Malignaggi beating him even easier. However, Malignaggi needs to start facing quality opposition. It’s like he’s gun-shy after getting blown out by Amir Khan last year in an 11th round TKO loss in April. Maignaggi needs to move and at least take on someone like Shawn Porter or Thomas Dulome and prove that he deserves to be ranked #3 by the World Boxing Association.
Facing 2nd tier fighters and getting a high ranking isn’t doing Malignaggi any favors because he’s just going to get dominated when he does have to fight someone good. He needs to be fighting quality guys now so that he can get something from this and learn to fight the bigger punchers. The way he’s doing it he seems like he’s just looking to get a title shot without taking any risks along the way.
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