Malignaggi, 32, had been linked to a defence against ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley, before switching his attention to Maidana, but has now been handed what WBA President Gilberto Mendoza described to WBN as an ‘alternative’ for his upcoming contest.
Mendoza also explained to WBN that the two boxers have to begin negotiations for a mandatory clash by February 24, although the fight does not necessarily have to go ahead on Malignaggi’s scheduled spring date.
“The Barclay Center date is fine (for Malignaggi), it’s just an alternative opponent change,” Mendoza told World Boxing News.
“There are remedies available, like a special permit, but there is a bout limitation rule.
“Malignaggi must fulfil his mandatory, although if he wishes to fight a different opponent, he will need the permit.
According to WBA rules, Malignaggi had nine months from when he claim the belt last April – to defend it against the next in line and with 26 year-old Chaves currently in possession of the interim belt, the unbeaten Argentinian will expect his title bout soon.
Initial reports that the WBA have ordered Malignaggi to face Chaves next seem premature and Mendoza is seemingly open to allowing the champion leeway as he moves forward with his next defence.
Without an agreement between the pair though in the stated period though, a purse bid will be called to organise the contest.
Similar negotiations have also been called by the WBA for fights between present and past crusierweight title holders Denis Lebedev and Guillermo Jones and light-flyweight champions Roman Gonzalez and Kazuto Ioka.
