NEW YORK (December 27, 2007) – International Boxing Federation light
welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi has shifted his
training camp from sunny Vero Beach, Florida to back home in the Big Apple
without missing a beat as he continues preparing for his first title defense
January 5 on Showtime Championship Boxing against No. 1 mandatory contender
Herman “The Black Panther” Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KOs) at Bally’s Casino in
Atlantic City.
The brash Brooklyn boxer, rated No. 2 by The Ring, is back working out at
famed Gleason’s Gym during the holiday season, something that hasn’t fazed
Malignaggi in the least.
“Training camp in Vero Beach was excellent and, as usual, I’m in tremendous
shape,” Paulie said. “At training camp you brainwash yourself into thinking
everyday is the same, no weekends or holidays. It’s all the same…a work day.
You develop a mental state to just work hard and get ready for the fight.
I’m going to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s starting on January 5,
beating that bum with the big mouth (Ngoudjo). I’ve lost all respect for
this guy because he is so disrespectful. He’s fighting the best he’s ever
fought; I’m going to ruin him. People are going to forget all about Herman
Ngoudjo after our fight.
“This is the third fight with Buddy McGirt as my head trainer. The key for
every fight is to continue improving and that’s what we’re doing. Buddy is
the captain of the ship. He’s a great trainer, I’m a great fighter, and we
have a great team.”
Team Malignaggi also includes Paulie’s promoter, Lou DiBella, cornermen
Orlando Carrasquillo and Pete Sferrazza, cutman Danny Milano and attorney
John Hornewer, as well as Paulie’s brother, Umberto, and advisor, Anthony
Catanzo
