The 30 year-old, who lost to Amir Khan in his first title challenge three years ago, is intent on securing another WBA title shot in a ‘Battle of Brooklyn’ with Malignaggi after scoring five victories in a row since suffering his only loss in 37 bouts.
“I guess there will be no Hatton vs Paulie,” Salita told World Boxing News in the aftermath of Hatton’s Manchester KO defeat.”I am hungry and ready to put on a show and make the most of my second world title attempt. I guarantee I won’t let it get away from me.
“Oscar De La Hoya was talking about a fight between Paulie and I at the pre-fight press conferences for the recent October 20th show at the Barclay Center, although I imagine he meant after Hatton – but now that is not happening.
“I am calling Paulie out! Paulie called out the champions that he has fought in the past and now I am doing the same. Let’s go!”
Malignaggi, 32, now has to decide who will be his next opponent after ploughing all his recent efforts for the last six months into the Hatton rematch and has shown interest in meeting Salita in the past.
Now that Hatton return is dead in the water, a bout with Salita seems to make sense in the current climate and the ‘Magic Man’ may decide to go down that route, rather than offering Senchenko a chance to reclaim his title.
