KHAN VS. MALIGNAGGI LONDON & NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
AMIR KHAN, Current WBA Super Lightweight World Champion
“Its always been my dream to fight here in the U.S. and I know there will be a lot of pressure on me not fighting in front of my U.K. fans, but I made a name over there and now I’m ready to come make a name for myself here.
“I have a test in front of me on May 15 at Madison Square Garden, the ‘Mecca of Boxing.’ On May 15, Paulie’s New York fans will become my fans when I beat him here.
“I’m very excited for my U.S. debut, at first they told me it would be against Marquez, but he pulled out and Malignaggi’s name came up and I wanted the fight. I think all things happen for a reason and I’ll be ready for him.
“I have watched tapes of Paulie and I think it is a style we can beat. We are both great fighters, both fast and tricky. Styles make fights and this is a great matchup.
“I’m another great fighter that will beat Paulie, just like Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and others did.
“I’m going to keep this title on May 15, its mine…
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI, Former Super Lightweight World Champion
“I’m a different fighter in my last couple of fights than before, because I made a change with my team and found my match with [new trainer] Sherif [Younan]. I’m not the same fighter you saw against Ricky Hatton or Juan Diaz the first time.
“I don’t feel like I talked my way into this fight at all. I think this is a great fight and styles make fights, so this one was made.
“I think I’m getting better and better and my resume speaks volumes, but Amir has never fought a guy like me.
“Amir has had the red carpet treatment so far in his career and bar none, I’m the best fighter he has ever fought.
“He may have a great career ahead of him, but on May 15, he will get his second loss.
“The Hamed-Kelley fight was the first live fight I ever saw, when I had only been training for six months and wasn’t even a pro yet, that was the fight that inspired me to pursue my career as a fighter.
“All of these Brits come to the U.S. to make their debuts against New Yorkers, and yes, they all have the common denominator that they have all beat us, but they were never tested like I will test Amir in his debut.
“I have a lot of respect for Amir, but he’s going to get beat on May 15, because when I get in the ring, I throw down.
“Madison Square Garden is Paulie Malignaggi. This is New York and it’s my town. On May 15, I will have all the answers.
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions
“We are excited to be debuting Amir in New York in Paulie’s hometown. at the Garden, the “Mecca of Boxing,” and I know from experience, its one of the best places to fight.
“This is a very serious fight and dangerous for both guys.
“I witnessed firsthand, a brilliant performance by Paulie in Houston in Juan Diaz’ hometown and he knows I thought one of the judges made a mistake and I was very outspoken about that. BUT, that was yesterday and is old news, today is new news and we have to look forward.
“We have a wonderful fight with two champions who are putting everything on the line. One who wants to keep proving to the fans and critics what he’s made of and another who is a newer face that wants to prove himself to all the critics.
“I know what it takes to become the best, you have to fight the best and we know Paulie is a threat to Amir and is not just a good fighter, but a great fighter and we are excited for the challenge.
“Amir handled the world stage with flying colors during the Olympics and it doesn’t get any bigger than that.
“Its not an easy task to come across the pond, but when you have a fighter like Amir with experience and world exposure like the Olympics gives you, it makes the transition easier.
“We want to prove to the world that Amir will be a great world champion, because we believe he will be. Amir will make a huge impact on boxing.
RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
“On May 15 you are gong to see four of the best 140-pound fighters in the game today with Amir Khan, Paulie Malignaggi, Nate Campbell and Victor Ortiz all on the same card.
“Amir could’ve stayed in the U.K. where he has been extremely successful and gone for the pay check, but no, he wanted to come to the U.S. and fight the very best.
“He’s here to capture not only the New York fans, but the American fans as a whole. He will be known across the world as Amir “King” Khan.
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“It’s good to be here at home in New York.
“If Paulie can beat Amir Khan, it establishes him as the superstar he has always wanted to be.
“I’m very thankful this fight is coming to our back yard, this is a tremendous event, in the best building in the world and in the best state.”
ASIF VALI, Khan Promotions
“This is a new partnership and anew era for us with Golden Boy Promotions. It’s a great opportunity for Amir to make his American debut.
“We believe that Amir will not only beat Paulie, but will knock him out.
“The Brits are going to come and we are going to pack Madison Square Garden.
“I’ve known Amir for over 12 years and this is his dream. He wants to come to the U.S. and rule the 140-pound class. He’s here at the front door and ready to open it.
JOSH DUBIN, Malignaggi’s Attorney & Co-Manager
“Paulie has taken his knocks in this sport and picked himself back up. We are happy that he gets to redeem himself here in New York.
“Paulie is a former World Champion and has fought some of the best fighters out there.
“I commend Amir because this is a hell of a way to make his U.S. debut. Paulie is at the peak of his career and hungrier than ever and I think Amir has barked up the wrong tree this time.”
FREDDIE ROACH, Khan’s Trainer
“Amir is a great athlete and Paulie will find that out on May 15.”
KERY DAVIS, Senior Vice President of Programming of HBO Sports
“This fight is a boxing fans fight. It’s a terrific matchup.
“This is what the sweet science is all about as both guys will make you miss and make you pay.
“If you are not in attendance in what will surely be a sell out crowd at Madison Square Garden, then don’t miss it on HBO.:
JOEL FISCHER, Executive Vice President of Madison Square Garden
“We are thrilled and honored to be hosting this event. It’s going to be a night of fireworks here at the Garden.”
MELVINA LATHAN, Chairperson of the New York State Athletic Commission
“It’s a great night to have Amir making his U.S. debut in New York and having Paulie fight in his hometown. We are also going to have a phenomenal undercard and we are excited to be hosting this event.”
