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Malignaggi plays “The Name Game”
VERO BEACH, Florida (December 6, 2007) – International Boxing Federation
light welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi took a break
from his Vero Beach training camp, where he’s preparing for his first title
defense January 5 on Showtime Championship Boxing against No. 1 contender
Herman “The Black Panther” Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KOs) at Bally’s Casino in
Atlantic City, to play boxing’s version of “The Name Game.”
The outspoken Brooklyn boxer, rated No. 2 by The Ring, commented on some of
the top welterweights and light welterweights in the world:
Floyd Mayweather: “The best pound-for-pound in boxing today, maybe ever. He
dominates and is definitely the smartest boxer.”
Ricky Hatton: “Workmanlike but a little overrated. He’s not great but is a
good fighter who is tough and a worker. He’s overrated in that some believe
he’s the best.”
Miguel Cotto: “One of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today
-- very powerful, strong, hungry and determined.”
Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.: “I didn’t see his last fight but he surprised me by
beating (Ray) Sanchez, who I know from the amateurs. Chavez came back from
being down on two cards to stop Sanchez. Maybe, he has gotten a little
better.”
Herman Ngoudjo: “Another workmanlike fighter but not the same as Gavin Rees
because he doesn’t throw as many punches. What you see is what you get with
him. He’s a former Olympian and I expect him to come into our fight at
100-percent. He’s never been given anything and has come up the hard way.
I’m looking forward to fighting him.”
Junior Witter: “Probably the most dangerous, underrated, unappreciated
fighter in boxing. I’d love to meet him in the ring but that’s up to the
networks. Witter is definitely the best light welterweight in England.”
Demetrious Hopkins: “Good family pedigree and a solid fighter. He’ll lose
his first pro fight in 2008 when he meets Paulie Malignaggi.”
Lovemore N’dou: “The biggest clown in boxing today. He’s like Barnum &
Bailey, you see the same show. His recent words and actions make him look
even more stupid to the media and fans.”
Gavin Rees: “I’ve watched some clips of his fights and he seems like a
rugged fighter who throws a lot of punches. Another workmanlike fighter, but
he won’t last too long as a title holder.”
Ricardo Torres: “A strong fighter who can’t fight a lick.”
Timothy Bradley: “I know him from the amateurs. He’s a darkhorse junior
welterweight right now and he’ll eventually become a contender in this
division.”
Jose Luis Castillo: “Past his prime; a legend in his day.”
Vivian Harris: “Another underappreciated fighter who has been mismanaged.
It’s a shame that his loss to Witter has hurt his career so much. It
shouldn’t have.”
Kendall Holt: “A solid fighter who could become world champion. He’s had a
couple of bad breaks. It’s all up to him. He has all of the physical tools
but, mentally, he has to overcome negativity and setbacks. If he can
overcome that he can be world champion.”
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