Add Paul Malignaggi to the growing list of boxers hoping and dreaming of a mega-buck fight with Manny Pacquiao.
The reigning IBF light-welterweight champion from Brooklyn has expressed his desire to take on the Filipino superstar right after he ?beats? Ricky Hatton in their scheduled bout in November.
Malignaggi, also known as the ?Magic Man,? told James Slater of Fightbeat.com yesterday that he resents the fact that Pacquiao, this early, is already looking forward to a fight with Hatton.
?I am really angry at the complete lack of respect Manny Pacquiao has been giving me. I mean, he?s been talking about fighting Hatton next when Hatton hasn?t even got past me yet,? he said.
This, he said, gives him more reason to beat Hatton, the cyclone from Manchester, in their Nov. 22 showdown in Las Vegas for the American?s 140 lb title.
?I?ve worked very hard to get where I can in my career and for Pacquiao to completely take that away from me by disrespecting me ? that makes me really want to punish him after I beat Hatton,? he added.
After beating Pacquiao, Malignaggi said he would give Hatton a rematch.
Malignaggi is hoping for these things to happen before he moves up to a notch higher and face Miguel Cotto at 147 lbs, and hopefully avenge a loss, by decision, to the Puerto Rican in June of 2006.
But he said he should get past Hatton first. And he?s confident of making it.
?It will definitely be the performance of my career. I mean, if I stop him I?d be happy to take a points win. I?ve wanted this fight for so long, to prove myself as the very best at 140 pounds,? he said.
Pacquiao, who made a smashing debut at 135 lbs by knocking out David Diaz in Las Vegas weeks ago, was just as eager to move up in weight once more to face Hatton ? in London if needed.
