Boxing News Boxing News
WBA super lightweight champ Amir Khan makes his American debut at Madison Square Garden when he places his world title at risk against former IBF champ Paulie Malignaggi on May 15.
Amir Khan: “Its always been my dream to fight here in the U.S. and I know there will be a lot of pressure on me not fighting in front of my U.K. fans, but I made a name over there and now I’m ready to come make a name for myself here.
“I have a test in front of me on May 15 at Madison Square Garden, the ‘Mecca of Boxing.’ On May 15, Paulie’s New York fans will become my fans when I beat him here.
“I’m very excited for my U.S. debut, at first they told me it would be against Marquez, but he pulled out and Malignaggi’s name came up and I wanted the fight. I think all things happen for a reason and I’ll be ready for him.
“I have watched tapes of Paulie and I think it is a style we can beat. We are both great fighters, both fast and tricky. Styles make fights and this is a great matchup.
“I’m another great fighter that will beat Paulie, just like Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and others did. I’m going to keep this title on May 15, it’s mine.
Paulie Malignaggi: “I’m a different fighter in my last couple of fights than before, because I made a change with my team and found my match with [new trainer] Sherif [Younan]. I’m not the same fighter you saw against Ricky Hatton or Juan Diaz the first time.
“I don’t feel like I talked my way into this fight at all. I think this is a great fight and styles make fights, so this one was made. I think I’m getting better and better and my resume speaks volumes, but Amir has never fought a guy like me.
“Amir has had the red carpet treatment so far in his career and bar none, I’m the best fighter he has ever fought. He may have a great career ahead of him, but on May 15, he will get his second loss.
“The Hamed-Kelley fight was the first live fight I ever saw, when I had only been training for six months and wasn’t even a pro yet, that was the fight that inspired me to pursue my career as a fighter.
“All of these Brits come to the U.S. to make their debuts against New Yorkers, and yes, they all have the common denominator that they have all beat us, but they were never tested like I will test Amir in his debut.
“I have a lot of respect for Amir, but he’s going to get beat on May 15, because when I get in the ring, I throw down. Madison Square Garden is Paulie Malignaggi. This is New York and it’s my town. On May 15, I will have all the answers.
