Malignaggi Declares War on Robert Guerrero, Ghost Responds

Paulie Malignaggi (left) has categorically called out Gilroy's Robert Guerrero.

Former 140-pound titlist Paulie Malignaggi has used the power of the pen (or the keyboard) to declare war on Gilroy's Robert Guerrero, accusing "The Ghost" of ducking him in a fight that would have theoretically taken place on the May 5 Miguel Cotto-Floyd Mayweather undercard. Here are some excerpts in Malignaggi's open letter to Guerrero:

"Two days ago, you and I were offered to fight each other on May 5th as an important supporting pay-per-view bout on the Mayweather vs. Cotto blockbuster PPV. I am sure you will agree that Mayweather vs. Cotto will be the biggest pay-per-view show of the year and on the biggest platform imaginable at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and on HBO PPV. Millions of boxing fans will have the opportunity to finally see if you can back up your recent widespread chatter on the internet.

"Robert, I accepted the challenge to fight you within 2 hours of being offered the fight. But I have been informed by our promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, that you have categorically refused to fight me. This news was absolutely shocking to me because I have seen you transform yourself from a cute, soft spoken, California kid to well, someone like me. I give you props for trying to wake up the old boxing farts with sound bites like telling Mayweather to “Step Up Punk” or telling Victor Ortiz 3 days ago that “if you’re really a true warrior, you’ll step in the ring with me.” But take it from an older and wiser Magic Man that has never needed to hide behind a publicist and has always backed up his words by stepping into the ring with the best fighters in the world, if you start talking the way you have been talking, you better be ready to accept whatever challenges come your way."

Check out BoxingScene.com for the full letter by clicking this link.

UPDATE: Guerrero has responded. Here it is:

"Look at the facts Paulie, why did I turn you down? You're a tremendous puncher? NO! You make for fan friendly fights? NO! You are a HBO or Showtime approved fighter? NO! Fact is, Eric Gomez at Golden Boy said you wouldn't be approved to fight on a date that isn't a Pay Per View. So if our promoter can convince a network that you are worthy enough to be on your own date, then let's rumble. I got a Shark Tank waiting."

Boxing correspondent Ryan Maquiñana is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Advisory Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his blog at norcalboxing.net, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.