Mayweather, Pacquiao Inferior to Amir Khan or Kell Brook, Says Paulie Malignaggi
Former IBF light welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi believes Amir Khan and Kell Brook rank among the "best three" welterweights in the world, saying Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao only count as the "biggest names."
Malignaggi told behindthegloves.com why he thinks Khan, Brook and Keith Thurman won't face each other in the immediate future, reported by Sky Sports:
"Here's the thing: I think Brook, Khan and Thurman are the best welterweights in the world right now. Mayweather and Pacquiao are the biggest names but I think here we are in 2015, Kell Brook, Keith Thurman and Amir Khan are the best three welterweights in the world and because they are the best three welterweights in the world, you're not going to see them against each other right away.
It's just not going to happen, there are just too many good welterweights who they can fight. But the first one we'll probably see is Brook v Khan and I think that'll take a year or so.
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Mayweather and Pacquiao certainly remain the duo who drum up the most global interest, highlighted by the rapidly increasing build-up around their May 2 fight. Yet, with both fighters heading toward the latter stages of their careers, Malignaggi suggests the hype is due to established reputation and not current ability.
Pacquiao certainly doesn't hit as hard as he used to. In recent times Mayweather can be accused of coasting in challenges that suit his fighting style, but someone like Khan—whose outright pace and hand speed makes him a constant threat—has the natural qualities to test him.
Bleacher Report's Stephen Nelson and Bob Canobbio of CompuBox recently discussed whether the upcoming Mayweather vs. Pacquiao encounter will entertain as much as original plans promised in 2010:
Khan is currently the highest-ranked of Malignaggi's picks, coming in at seventh on the welterweight ladder, per Sky Sports.
His 30-3 record leaves room for questioning at the top level, though. Khan lost to Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia before establishing a run of four wins, per BoxRec. In the process of defeat, he underlined a glass jaw that top-class opponents now look to target.
Brook (34-0) and Thurman (25-0) are eighth and 11th respectively, per Sky Sports. Both have proved themselves to be motivated individuals who can combine pace with accurate power. If Khan's momentum toward his sought-after battle with Mayweather is to be stopped, these two are prime candidates to do it.
Khan previously suggested a fight against Brook "can happen in the future," per Sky Sports. He believes this is most likely "towards the end of the year or next year." This clash would potentially hand the winner a golden ticket to the top.
It's certainly likely one of Malignaggi's three picks would have to beat another before they even get close to having a shot at Mayweather or Pacquiao. One has to remember a lucrative rematch is possible between the two. Pretty Boy's unbeaten record is a natural lure for audiences, but if he loses it would be interesting to see his reaction in a second bout.
Khan, Brook and Thurman represent the next wave of elite stars. One of the three could dominate once Mayweather and Pacquiao have called time on their legendary careers. There's always the sense that Khan is one major loss away from losing it all, so the other two will feel they have an excellent opportunity to take over.
Malignaggi's comments are likely to create an interesting debate. Are Mayweather and Pacquiao still far more effective than those below them? Is name alone selling their fight? Do audiences even care? Expect all these questions to be answered on May 2 and in the bout's aftermath.
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