Making a rare appearance in the UK at the O2 Arena, in London, on the undercard of the Joshua v Whyte card will be the New York fighter Paulie Malignaggi.
Malignaggi, no stranger to fighting for world titles, is set to face the Italian fighter, Antonio Moscatiello, for the vacant EBU welterweight belt.
Here at Vital Boxing, we?re surmising that Malignaggi is allowed to compete for the European title due to his Italian heritage.
At the weigh-in today there was a bit of drama. Malignaggi weighed in at 146.5 lbs, just inside the limit, however, his opponent, Moscatiello, initially weighed in at 147.25 lbs and had to work the additional weight off before finally making the 147 lb limit.
There are suspicions doing the rounds that Malignaggi has been invited on to the bill by Matchroom promotions as a possible / viable opponent for the current IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook.
Although Brook would love to get the Khan fight sealed, the Sheffield fighter knows that could possibly still be six months away and that the scenario could shift anytime soon.
Mallignaggi enters the ring with a record that reads 34-7 with 7 wins coming by way of knockout whilst Moscatiello enters the ring with a record that reads 20-2 with 14 wins coming by way of knockout.
As for picking a winner, it remains to be seen how much Malignaggi has left in the tank. The New York fighter isn?t a heavy puncher but is blessed with some sublime boxing skills, but can Moscatiello get to him to slow him down and land a blow that could cause a stoppage?
Here at Vital Boxing, sat in the editorial chair, I think not, my money is on Malignaggi to take the decision on points.
Malignaggi?s Opponent Makes Weight at 2nd Attempt
