Malignaggi Considers Options

Malignaggi was schedule to fight Danny O'Connor in a welterweight bout on May 29 in Brooklyn. That fight was cancelled due to a serious eye injury. Now Malignaggi is being linked to a possible Danny Garcia match this August. He's also the mandatory challenger for the European welterweight title.

"I have an Italian passport but not the necessary amount of fights in Europe to be eligible (five of previous ten). Out of respect for my past accomplishments, the EBU is allowing me this chance because the passport is probably the most important piece of the puzzle."

There are decisions to make for Malignaggi. He is the EBU mandatory challenger until the end of October. Its possible for Malignaggi to squeeze in both fights. The PBC Garcia matchup is the bigger fight both financially and exposure. If Malignaggi defeats Danny Garcia, that can set him up for a HUGH fight. If he choses to get after the European title, he'll have to to face Gianluca Branco (49-3-1, 24 KOs) and confirm the fight by month's end.