Khan set for Magic Man

WBA champion to face Malignaggi in May

Last updated: 9th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Khan set for Magic Man

Khan: Set for Malignaggi

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WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan is set to make his American debut against Paulie Malignaggi on May 15.

The bout is set to be officially announced at a press conference in London on Friday - with Khan, Malignaggi and Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya all set to be in attendance.

Khan won the title from Andreas Kotelnik in Manchester, before heading to Newcastle to blow away Dmitriy Salita in December.

And although there had been speculation that he would take on classy Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, Khan will now face outspoken New Yorker Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden.

Golden Boy Promotions confirmed: "WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan and former light-welterweight world champion Paulie Malignaggi will hold a press conference in London to announce their world title bout set for Saturday, May 15 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York.

"The fight marks Khan's United States debut which will take place in the backyard of New York's Malignaggi."

Malignaggi has previously held the IBF title at 140lbs - however he is better known to British fight fans for being stopped in the 11th round against Ricky Hatton.

The Magic Man also lost a WBO title challenge to Miguel Cotto and was beaten by Juan Diaz back in August.

And although Malignaggi avenged that unanimous points defeat to Diaz last time out, his lack of punching powder would make him an ideal opponent for Khan.