Malignaggi Will Fight Jose Cotto On April 9th…And Then Maybe Canelo Later In The Year, We Hear

What do you think about a Saul Alvarez vs. Paulie Malignaggi bout? It could happen later in the year, we hear… (Hogan)PAULIE MALIGNAGGI BATTLES JOSE MIGUEL COTTO ON

APRIL 9 “ACTION HEROES” HBO PAY-PER-VIEW® UNDERCARD

LOS ANGELES, March 23 – Former Junior Welterweight World Champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi will step back onto the big stage against Puerto Rico’s Jose Miguel Cotto in a 10-round welterweight fight on Saturday, April 9, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on the “Action Heroes” HBO Pay-Per-View event.

“We promised to deliver the best fights for the April 9 pay-per-view and we are continuing to do that with the addition of the always-flashy and exciting Paulie Malignaggi against the experienced Jose Miguel Cotto,” said Oscar de la Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions.  “It is going to be a clash of a boxer versus a puncher, plus Paulie is looking to avenge his loss to Jose Miguel’s older brother, Miguel Cotto, in a fight you won’t want to miss.”

Flashy in and out of the ring and blessed with the heart of a lion, Brooklyn’s Paulie Malignaggi (28-4, 6 KO’s) has regrouped and now, fighting at welterweight, the “Magic Man” is in top-notch form as he pursues a world title in a second weight class.  Coming off of a sixth round technical knockout win over Michael Lozada in December, the 30-year-old Malignaggi can’t wait to show off more of his new tricks on April 9 against the brother of the man – Miguel Cotto – who handed him his first professional loss.

“I’m very excited to be on this great card that is generating a lot of buzz,” said Malignaggi.  “I think fighting Cotto is a good test and an important next step at this point in my career as I climb back to the top of the sport.  His brother Miguel is the best fighter I have fought in my career, so I know when fighting a ‘Cotto’ I have to be prepared.  I’m excited for the challenge and the chance to keep proving ‘naysayers’ wrong.”

A 14-year veteran who can do it all in the ring, Caguas’ Jose Miguel Cotto (32-2-1, 24 KO’s) represents Puerto Rico with heart and pride every time he steps through the ropes.  A longtime lightweight contender who has continued to find success as he has moved up in weight, the 33-year old Cotto has won four of his last five fights.  His most recent fight was a fourth round technical knockout win over Christopher Henry in November. He returns to Las Vegas for the first time in nearly a year and expects a win against Malignaggi.

“This is going to be a great fight,” said Cotto.  “I've been in the gym training my hardest and I feel ready.  Having a big win over Malignaggi will move me closer to a title opportunity.  I will not let this one go by.”

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