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Malignaggi answers key questions
BROOKLYN (February 28, 2007) - World light welterweight contender Paulie
"The Magic Man" Malignaggi answered some critical questions concerning
his ring career off of his one-sided performance February 17 against
Edner Cherry (21-5-2, 10 KOs) in the HBO main event live from the
Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Malignaggi won a unanimous
10-round decision (100-90, 98-92, 98-92)
Malignaggi (22-1, 5 KOs) hadn't fought since June 10, when he lost his
first fight as a pro by 12-round decision, suffering a fractured
cheekbone in the process to the then WBO light welterweight champion
Miquel Cotto, and switched trainers for the Cheery fight with James
"Buddy" McGirt in his corner for the first time.
How would Malignaggi respond to his first lost, especially one in which
he was floored for the first time and sidelined due to such a serious
injury? And would Paulie be a more complete and effective boxer having
trained in Vero Beach with McGirt?
"We worked on some physical improvements and I think people saw some,"
Malignaggi said, "but it all didn't show in the Cherry fight. I think I
looked better in the gym than the ring. But some rounds Cherry came out
throwing bombs like (Ricardo) Mayorga, and the next round he wouldn't
engage. Nobody could have looked good against him. This was the first
time he'd been dominated but it wasn't as exciting as I would have
liked. I can't get into wars every fight; the Cotto fight was like three
tough fights. Everybody knows I have speed and quickness, but I must
have some pop, too. I hit him in the first round with a good left hook
and after that he waited to counter punch.
"Once a fighter gets in there with me, I think my speed intimidates
them, and that's what happened with Edner Cherry. He's a good fighter
but he'd never fought anybody like Paulie Malignaggi before. I don't
think he ever figured me out. I was just a little disappointed that I
wasn't more exciting."
One question that Malignaggi didn't answer whom his next opponent will
be, despite several names rumored in the media.
"All I can say right now is we have a lot of big plans, so stay tuned,"
Malignaggi concluded. "We have a couple of good options. There should be
an announcement soon about my next fight - it's going to be a big one -
and then an even bigger fight after that." |
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