It will be approaching two years once Brook fights again this summer since the Briton defeated Shawn Porter to turn heads on the other side of the Atlantic. Since then, ‘The Special One’ has only managed low key victories over Jo Jo Dan, Frankie Gavin and more recently Kevin Bizier.
Brook’s inability to land that massive name he requires has not gone un-noticed as names like Miguel Cotto, Danny Garcia, Jessie Vargas and Amir Khan have been mentioned by the Yorkshireman as possible foes of late.
As Khan is now signed to fight Canelo Alvarez on May 7, Brook is set to pursue one of his fellow champions at 147, although Malignaggi doubts whether any of the current crop would be willing to accept a unification.
Regarding Cotto, Brook would have no option but to take a June 18 clash already pencilled in and on the Puerto Rican’s terms, whilst Malignaggi is adamant setting his sights a little lower would be the best option for the undefeated contender.
“I’m not against a Kell Brook fight if the offer is right,” Malignaggi exclusively told World Boxing News in an interview prior to the Germany v Italy match this week when asked about potential options for Brook.
“I know people would say I’m a little bit past it and my name isn’t what is once was, but Kell needs a name and needs to rebuild himself in the US. He needs somebody that has more to gain than they do to lose, and at this point in my career I have more to gain from fighting Kell Brook.
“I’ve got two wins in a row as well and an opponent like me, with a bit of a marquee name in the US, that’s the kind of guy he’s got to shoot for. The Bizier’s of this world and the Jo Jo Dan’s always had something to gain, but they are not on that level.
“At least the likes of Jessie Vargas have a world title, but failing that, I am a former world champion and a Danny Garcia or a Miguel Cotto have more to lose fighting Kell Brook.
“A fight between us was mentioned for the UK a while ago, but I think it makes more sense for Brook to fight me in New York to rebuild himself over here,” he added.
Malignaggi admitted that another fight is not certain for him at the age of 35, despite recent wins over Antonio Moscatiello and Laszlo Fazekas in Europe. ‘The Magic Man’ has settled into a side job as a co-commentator for some of the biggest networks in the United States and wants a fight he can chew on should he once again lace up the gloves.
“If I’m going to fight again I have to raise the stakes and fighting Brook raises the stakes for me. I lowered the level to get those wins but we’ll now just have to see if this fight can happen or not,” he added.
