Initial reaction to this fight hasn’t been good. I understand the reasons why, mainly because no one sees Paulie Malignaggi as a threat and Broner is skipping over a weight class that has far more dangerous opponents.
Broner, the lightweight champion is bypassing the Junior Welterweight division, which includes fighters like Danny Garcia, Lucas Matthysse, and Lamont Peterson.
Currently, though all those fighters aren’t available and Broner wants to stay busy. He could have fought Ricky Burns or Miguel Vazquez at lightweight, but Malignaggi brings name recognition that those guys don’t have.
I don’t think it is a terrible fight and there is some intrigue because Broner is coming up from 135 to 147. Malignaggi had no power, but he is a crafty veteran, so he is just going to lay down in the ring.
The fight is scheduled for June 22nd at the Barclay’s Center in Broolyn.