By Chris LaBate

Former junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi (29-4, 6 KO's) is training for his upcoming fight with 2000 Mexican Olympian Orlando Lora (28-1-1, 19 KO's), scheduled for October 15 at Staples Center in Los Angles, California. The fight will open up the HBO pay-per-view for Bernard Hopkins' defense of the WBC light heavyweight title against Chad Dawson.

Malignaggi, now a rated welterweight contender, believes he is very close to a world title opportunity. First he must get past Lora, an unrelenting puncher who keeps the pressure on from the opening bell, but also someone who Malignaggi views as being inexperienced with facing A-level competition.

Being at welterweight, Malignaggi doesn't expierence the harsh struggles of making weight, which he believes affected some of his performances at 140-pounds.

"I'm looking to win the fight and get a bigger fight next yr. I'm always craving the next big fight. I look forward to the 15th. I always try to get myself sharp and get the opponent to worry about me and not worry about the opponent. Thats the plan. Between my ability to win fights and the strong team behind me, I think I'm very close to a world title fight. I'm knocking on the door for something," Malignaggi said.

"At welterweight I have more spring in my legs. I definitely feel stronger and the energy level I can maintain is great because I don’t have to waste it on making weight. At welterweight I can focus on my opponent and the game plan. Most of it though is the energy level that I can maintain. Not taking anything away from Lora but I have seen more in my career than him. I have been dominating at this high level. Golden Boy Promotions keeps lining them up and I keep knocking them down. I will get my world title fight."