By Chris LaBate
Former IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi (29-4, 6KOs) is ready to make a statement on the Bernard Hopkins-Chad Dawson undercard on October 15th at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Malignaggi will face Orlando Lora (28-1-1, 19KOs) in the opening fight of the Hopkins-Dawson HBO pay-per-view. The former champion, now a welterweight contender, plans to dominate Lora from start to finish.
"I just plan to win and I plan to dominate Orlando Lora. If I don’t dominate Orlando Lora I’ll be disappointed in myself, obviously. Not taking anything away from Orlando Lora, but it’s just that I’ve seen … in my career than him. Like I said before anything not at the world-class level I have been dominating and Lora, although he’s 28-1, has not fought at a world class level," Malignaggi said.
If Malignaggi wins, as most expect he should, a title shot and/or a big fight opportunity is not far behind.
"I think I’m very close if not for a world title or at least for a big fight that could lead to a world title. One way or the other I’m knocking on the door for something. Like I said before I feel like I still belong because guys below the world class level I tend to still dominate them. I need to be competing at a world class level and I look forward to getting back there," Malignaggi said.