• Boxing

Khan to face Malignaggi on May 15

ESPN staff
March 9, 2010
Amir Khan won the WBA light-welterweight title in December 2009 © Getty Images
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Amir Khan's first American fight will be against Paulie Malignaggi on May 15, Golden Boy Promotions has confirmed.

The contest will take place at Madison Square Gardens in Malignaggi's home city of New York.

"Amir Khan and Paulie Malignaggi will hold a press conference in London to announce their world title bout set for Saturday, May 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York," a Golden Boy statement said.

29-year-old Malignaggi, who lost to Ricky Hatton in November 2008, accepted the bout after Khan's first-choice opponent Juan Manuel Marquez pulled out.

The WBA light-welterweight champion has been criticised for not chosing a more testing opponent, with Malignaggi's punches said to lack clout.

The American, who holds a 27-3 record, defied his detractors with a commanding victory against Juan Diaz in December that saw him claim the WBO NABO light-welterweight championship.

Khan left Frank Warren Promotions on January 17 to sign with Golden Boy, citing a desire to increase his reputation Stateside.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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