Paulie Malignaggi admits that money is the only thing keeping him fighting after his December defeat to Ricky Hatton.
Just show me the money, says demoralised Malignaggi
Paulie Malignaggi has revealed how Ricky Hatton almost battered him into retirement.
The New Yorker says he almost quit boxing following his 11-round defeat in Las Vegas in December, the first time he had been stopped in 27 professional fights.
Victory set Hatton up for a megafight with Manny Pacquiao in May but left Malignaggi wondering whether he would fight again.
And even though he has vowed to box on, the smooth-talking 28-year-old readily admits there is only one thing keeping him going - money.
"I don't really have the desire, as far as love of the game, it's more about the paycheck I can make," he told
boxingtalk.com.
"I can't make it doing anything else, the amount of money. Obviously, anybody can go to work and make money, but the paycheck I make boxing, I'm not going to make anywhere else.
Recession
"It really came down to a financial decision, and I had to think deep and soul search.
"From a financial standpoint, the country in is a recession, people everywhere are losing their jobs, and on unemployment. I'm not going to join that party, I can make money boxing."
Malignaggi, who spent a year as IBF light-welterweight champion before vacating to face Hatton, will continue at 140lbs.
But the man who troubled Miguel Cotto in defeat, beat Lovemore N'Dou twice and was considered by most as second only to Hatton in the division, says he no longer cares who he faces, as long as the money is right.
"If I can't get it, I won't fight, if I can get it, I will fight," he said. "Like I said before, it comes down to a financial decision, if I get those kind of paychecks, I'm in.
"Money talks, bulls**t walks. Whatever guys they come with, if they're bringing money to the table, I'll fight them. No matter who it is, I'll fight them."
Interested
One name being touted about is that of fellow Brooklyn slickster Zab Judah.
The man who calls himself Super has been busy calling out former undisputed lightweight champion Nate Campbell, but is still high-profile enough despite only winning three of his last eight.
"A lot of people in barber shops all over Brooklyn talk about Paulie Malinagi v Zab Judah," said Malignaggi.
"It's been a topic of conversation for years already. I'm sure a lot of people would be interested. It's an interesting fight. We both do a lot of similar things, with speed and boxing ability, but I think I've got some tricks up my sleeve for Zab. Zab will probably tell you he's got some tricks up his sleeve for me.
"If anybody is looking at fighting Paulie Malignagi, he's has to bring cake. I'm turning over a new leaf."
For full interview, go to boxingtalk.com.
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