What next for Malignaggi?

Paulie Malignaggi.

Yesterday evening (29th April) American welterweight Paulie Malignaggi became the new WBA world champion after beating Vyacheslav Senchenko in Ukraine.

This has brought the WBA belt out of the 'black hole' of the Soviet Bloc boxing world as before this fight, Senchenko was just taking easy fights so he knew that he would keep his title. It has also opened up the welterweight division and made it far more exciting. Sure, this win will not affect the likes of Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao but it is a significant event for the lower tier of fighters that are not quite good enough for the elite level yet as they now believe they can become a world champion.

But, the question is... Where next for Malignaggi?

British prospect Kell Brook.

He is in a great position at the moment as he basically has the choice to fight anyone he wants as they will all jump at the chance of winning a world title. He could take a few easy fights to get a few defences of the belt out of the way but I don't think that Malignaggi is the type of guy who would do that.

His other option is to take try and land a fight with a big name in the division. This is what I can see him doing as he is craving for a big payday. Many people want to see him fight British prospect Kell Brook in a well-paid fight in the UK. Brook has already shown an interest in this fight but Golden Boy have said that this fight doesn't have much chance of happening.

Another option would be to fight Devon Alexander who is also promoted by Golden Boy. This would win-win situation for the promotion company and a fight that both fighters would believe they stand a good chance in.

The third option, which is the one I think that is most likely to happen is that Malignaggi will fight the winner of Victor Ortiz Vs Andre Berto. The fight would receive a considerable amount of interest and Paulie would also get a big payday.

When you look at the big picture.. There is two main options for the champ. He can either fight an unknown and low-level opponent and keep the title or he can cash in on a big payday and risk losing the WBA belt.