135lber Broner, 23, has been touted for a shock move up the necessary twelve pounds to 147 to challenge for Malignaggi’s belt and took to his personal Twitter account to goad the Italian-American into accepting.
“People want to see us put on a show,” Broner told Malignaggi. “You’re my homie, but I got to take that WBA (title) with me and then we can party together,” he added.
Malignaggi, in true ‘Twitter King’ style, responded stating to ‘The Problem’ that he ‘makes his problems disappear’ eluding to his own nickname of the ‘Magic Man’ and the 32 year-old seems responsive to discussing a clash against the highly-rated youngster.
The New Yorker is already on board for a May 18 defence of his title in Abu Dhabi, although some reports are suggesting he could be persuaded to fight in his home city on June 22. Either way, the potential clash seems more than just rumour at this stage and would certainly have the fans interested in seeing if Broner can be successful at the higher weights.
The two-weight world title-holder is much-revered as the future of boxing, having been push into the limelight to take over the mantle of Floyd Mayweather once the pound for pound king retires.
The popularity of both these charismatic boxers instantly gives the fight an edge though and some believe that Broner would go into a fight with Malignaggi as favourite – despite him bypassing the light-welterweight division.
Cincinnati-born Broner is a proven puncher at the lighter weights and whether he can transport that to welterweight would certainly be of interest to those who hope to see a battle with ‘Money’ Mayweather in the not too distant future.
