Former light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi will step up his bid to return to the big time when he fights Jose Miguel Cotto.
Magic Man looks to return to the big time
Former light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi will step up his bid to return to the big time when he fights Jose Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 9.
Malignaggi, who lost world title fights to Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan, is a previous holder of the IBF crown at 140lbs.
However he will look to avenge his 2006 defeat to Miguel Cotto when he takes on the Puerto Rican's younger brother at welterweight.
"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.
Opportunity
"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."
Jose Miguel Cotto is a two-time world lightweight title challenger and has won won four of his last five fights since stepping up in weight - with his only defeat coming against the current WBC light-middleweight champion Saul Alvarez.
The 33-year old Cotto said: "This is going to be a great fight. 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."
