Amir Khan v Paulie Malignaggi - Preview

WBA World Light-Welterweight Title

16/5/10

Madison Square Garden, New York, US.

ITV 02.45 BST

Amir Khan 22-1 (16KO)

Paulie Malignaggi 27-3 (5KO)

This fight seems a defining moment in Amir Khan's career. In only the second defense of his WBA world title, the Bolton boy continues to ignore his critics and faces former WBO NABO Light-Welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi.

Many still question Khan's ability, specifically that unproven chin, and wonder how long he can maintain holding that belt of his. It has to be pointed out however that Khan has natural talent and a firm basis for a great career, in which fights like this could define so early on. Malignaggi isn't world class and if Khan wins he may not look back on the victory as a turning point in his career. However, these are the fights that Khan has to prove himself. It could go so easily wrong; a tricky opponent, his first professional fight outside of the UK and his first fight since splitting with promoter Frank Warren. It could also go easily right; retention of his world title, a higher profile in the US and a winning start under Golden Boy Promotions, are all at stake.

Malignaggi should be familiar to British fights fans, as he was defeated by Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas in 2008. The tough 'from the streets' fighter has certainly behaved in his usual outspoken manner in the build up to this fight. In a press conference he has questioned why Manny Pacquiao refused to comply to Mayweather's request of blood and urine testing if they were to fight. He then went on to admit that he thought perhaps Pacquiao's fellow gym fighter Khan had taken performance enhancing drugs. How he has come to this conclusion is questionable, with the only link being that of the same coach trains both Khan and Pacquiao: Freddie Roach. Maybe this is just Malignaggi failing to control his mouth or perhaps a spot of mind-games to try and ruffle a few feathers in the Khan camp.

It's seems to have worked. The committed muslim raised Khan, usually quiet and reserved in the early parts of his career, has spoken back and if anything thinks the comments can help him in the ring: 'It's motivated me to go out there and do a good job on him so he shuts up.' Maybe this new behaviour has occurred from the brit due to his new US base and has perhaps influenced his very own outspoken approach in press conferences. It makes you wonder if, under the presence of Frank Warren, Kahn would have behaved in the same way.

It's all adding up to the hype of the fight however. We hope that the fight lives up to this hype, instead of becoming an ending disappointment of what promises to be an impressive undercard.

Whether Khan does a 'good job' on Malignaggi remains to be seen.