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Malignaggi’s voice continues to roar
BROOKLYN, New York (April 30, 2006) – Outspoken Paulie “The Magic Man”
Malignaggi (21-0, 5 KOs), preparing for the fight of his life June 10th
against World Boxing Organization light welterweight champion Miguel
Cotto (26-0, 22 KOs) at Madison Square Garden, refuses to tone down his
act despite advice to do so from all corners.
“What I do is talk, it is part of my mental make-up, and it got me this
fight,” Malignaggi explained. “This is Paulie Malignaggi at his best.
People are going to keep hearing me lash-out at my opponents for the
rest of my career. Like me or not, I’m a ticket seller. I’m not going to
tone it down
just because this is a big fight. Talking gets me psychologically up and
ready for the fight, agitates people, breaks down some opponents, and
draws interest.
“Cotto better start getting ready for our fight instead of worrying
about what I’m saying. I want to let him know what I’m going to do to
him. It may be a long, tough fight June 10, but he’s going to catch a
beating and I’m going to take his title belt. One Cotto’s (Jose) down,
one more Cotto
(Miguel) to go. He’s coming to my house. I have a lot of Puerto Rican
friends and they’re rooting for me. I’m from New York and I have a good
following – Italian, Puerto Rican, Irish, African-American, whatever.
What makes this fight so intriguing is the different ethnic groups
involved.”
One person who definitely doesn’t want Malignaggi to change is his
manager, Sal LoNano. “He’s 21-0 talking, why change now?” LoNano
rhetorically asked. “Paulie’s been talking about fighting Cotto since
I’ve known him, so I went
to New York City to see Lou about making this fight. The thing about
Paulie is he’s different than what he appears. Outside of boxing, he’s a
real gentleman, respectful and loyal. But in the ring he’s as tough as
they come.”
Malignaggi recently completed a four-week strength-and-conditioning
program in Massachusetts and returned home to workout at Gleason’s Gym
before soon heading out to training camp for four weeks.
“Cotto’s used to his opponent showing him respect,” Malignaggi
continued. “I’m not there to be his friend. I’m coming to take his world
title and give him a beating. The day after the fight is going to be
bittersweet for Puerto
Ricans because they’ll be happy at the parade (in New York City), but
unhappy because their champion lost his world title to me the night
before.
“Everybody knows I can talk the talk and June 10 I’m going to prove to
everyone that I can walk the walk. I talk trash, but I can fight, too.
What’s Cotto going to do? He can’t box and he’ll try and cut-off the
ring. He may even try to hit me low, on the hips to take my legs away,
but I’m sure the referee will not let him get away with that. Cotto is a
one-dimensional fighter and he can’t change. There won’t be any
surprises from ‘The Magic Man.’ Fans know how I fight and the only
difference this time is that I’ll be wearing the WBO light welterweight
belt afterwards.”
Also on the June 10 card is Malignaggi’s friend and occasional sparring
partner, unbeaten middleweight sensation, “Ireland’s John Duddy (16-0,
14 KOs). “I’m glad John Duddy is on my card,” Malignaggi concluded.
“He’s an
excellent fighter and exciting to watch. I respect him a lot. Someday I
know he’s going to be a world champion. His fans will be supporting me
June 10 and my fans will be supporting him.” |
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