Paulie Malignaggi will make a return to the ring on December 12th in a rematch that will see the Magic man face Juan “The Baby Bull” Diaz, the same fighter that handed him a controversial loss back in August. In that fight Diaz was gifted a hometown decision that many fight fans worldwide thought was unjust and led to an outcry of fans demanding a rematch between the two fighters on neutral ground. They got what they asked for and the bout which will be held in Chicago where both men are known to have a large fan base. We caught up with Paulie a few weeks back to ask him about his training and his future match up with Diaz plus much more.
Interview....
Your career so far as brought up some great achievements but which as been your proudest moment throughout your professional boxing career and why? Hello and Thanks for the interview. Proudest moment was probably against Ndou in CT when I won the IBF in a clear shut out, was a great time in my boxing career to show everyone that I'm an elite fighter. Amongst your time as a professional you have never ducked a challenge and you are a fighter that always looks to test himself against the worlds best but throughout your time in the pro ranks, Which of your fights as satisfied you the most and which fight as been your most difficult? The most difficult would probably have been against Cotto, he is a superb fighter, that came to fight that night, I came out to fight as well, even though I lost, people changed their views about me, and started really seeing that I am a competitor. Again the fight I found the most satisfying would be against Ndou, that fight really showed my full potential. I am a slick boxer, and that fight really brought out my abilities to the whole world. It definitely showcased my talent. Your style of fighting is very nice on the eye and what I mean by this is that the fight fans in attendance and watching on TV like the way you conduct yourself in the ring, You are known as a slickster and a pure boxer by many but is this a true reflection of your style? Yeah, that is exactly how my style is, i'm a slick crafty fighter. I put on boxing clinics, like Floyd says, the less damage you take in this sport the further your going to go. No one wants to take punishment if they don't have to. What would you say is the best punch in your arsenal? I'm a boxer, my jab is one of my lead weapons, but I always got tricks in my bag Whenever I do these Interviews I always like to take a look at the training methods of fighters so with that in mind, Can you please take us through a typical days training on the run up to a big fight? I'm always in tip top shape, Never slack off in the gym. I stay away from all types of negative things that effect the body, like liquor and things of that nature. I want to be the best Paulie Malignaggi I can be, I run a good 6 miles everyday, maybe more. The ab work out can get brutal, jump roping, speed bag, mitts, shadow boxing, sparring, but Paulie Malignaggi pushes himself to the limits every time he steps in the gym. knowing boxers eating habits change when they are getting ready for a big fight. What foods do you enjoy eating at this time? Try to eat protein, eliminate carbs.
Your fight in August against Juan Diaz was in my opinion one of the worst boxing decisions I had seen in recent years throughout our sport, I mean even Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles could have made that decision closer lol, How did you think the fight went for you personally and What was your thinking when the judges read out their decision? LOL Your not the only person who saw the fight in my favour, it seems like the whole world did. But the past is the past. December 12th there will be no excuses. I clearly had me winning, I threw over 200 more punches then the kid. a lot more slicker then he was, slipped a lot of his punches. It was basically a boxing clinic. I knew they were going to rob me, but its like beating a dead horse now, its over. Also in my opinion you have got one of the best chin's in boxing which was evident in your battles with Miguel Cotto and Ricky Hatton who are known for their power punching. In your fight with Juan did he ever hurt you throughout the fight and how does his power compare to the other two fighters I have named (Cotto & Hatton)? Honestly, Cotto is by the hardest hitting fighter I've faced, no one can compare to his punching power, Cotto's a tough fighter. The Ricky Hatton night, Paulie Malignaggi had a bad night, Hatton looked better against me that night then he should of. But against Juan Diaz I was never hurt, he did catch me with some good clean shots. You said before the first fight with Diaz, you had a feeling you were going to get robbed in Houston, Did you expect it to be as wide as the scores had it? LOL No I didn't' expect it to be that bad, no one did. I know the loss was probably devastating for you at the time but on a good note, Many experts and sports writers believed that throughout that fight you were back to your best, do you agree with this assessment? Yeah that means a lot, because sometimes Paulie Malignaggi gets the short end of the stick and for everyone to write good things about me after that night even though I got the L on the record was a great thing, I was telling everyone when I fought Hatton, i had a horrible night. and i was happy to get a fight against Juan Diaz because he's a typical bulldozer fighter, and that's perfect for my style, and I put on a lesson that night. Your highly anticipated rematch is coming up on the 12th December, What do you intend doing differently from the first fight and what do you expect Juan Diaz to bring to the fight? Yeah he's going to come hard, but Paulie Malignaggi has new tricks in the magic bag. Everyone will have to tune in December 12th Live on HBO to see a live magic act. How have you prepared differently for this fight Paulie? Again, December 12th, everyone will see a more in shape, and more alert Paulie Malignaggi. Now the fight is in a neutral place in Chicago, 139 and a 20 foot ring. So, now the playing field is even Will the fact the fight is being made in Chicago make a difference to you, knowing that you are both fighting in neutral territory and not in Diaz' backyard of Houston? Everyone knows Paulie Malignaggi will fight anywhere anytime, and I proved it by going into Houston, but this time it's in Chicago, and i'm glad. It will make the difference because there is going to be tons of Malignaggi fans in attendance and their support will bring the best out the magic man What can the fight fans in Attendance at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois expect from your December 12th fight? They are going to expect a fight, the first fight was action packed, and this one is going to be another boxing lesson. But with Paulie Malignaggi walking away with the victory.
You have obviously fought a fighter from the UK in Ricky Hatton, Would you like a rematch with him if he ever decided to come back to the sport? If so what would the outcome be and how would you approach that fight? Would love a rematch with Ricky Hatton again, just because that night last year wasn't the best Paulie Malignaggi, If he comes back, we will see down the line, right now we got Juan Diaz in front of me. Will worry about everyone after.
The Light Welterweight division is a hot one at the moment with fighters such as Ricky Hatton, Marcos Maidana, Timothy Bradley, Amir Khan and Devon Alexander vying for the top spot. Who in your opinion is the main man at the moment? This is a stacked division but Paulie Malignaggi is the main man! but all those fighter's you listed are great, and bring something different to the table.
What would be your dream fight at this moment in time and why? Juan Diaz December 12th What are your plans for the rest of 2009 going into 2010? Honestly, not sure, focused on Dec 12th You are still a young man at 28 and have quite a few years of boxing left in you but what would be your dream outcome when you retire from the sport? I want everyone to know Paulie Malignaggi was a champ, that had tons of heart and wasn't scared to fight anyone. and will have a title again before its over You are a man of many talents and some of them talents I have read include acting and modeling is this right and What are your plans after boxing? Yeah but boxing is my life, I sleep and breathe boxing. but Paulie Malignaggi is good for hollywood, if anyone has scripts or modeling gigs send them my way, because Paulie Malignaggi has what it takes to be a star LOL Is there anything you would like to say to the readers of TopClassBoxing? Yeah thanks a lot TopClassBoxing, this interview was great and I appreciate all my fans! You guys mean the world to me, and I couldn't have got this rematch with out you guys. Like to give a shout to big Sal, Peter, Team Malignaggi, cousin Nico from chi-town! And to all my fans!! Stay tuned December 12th, live on HBO! Interview conducted by: Paul Daley Banner designed by: Wayne Wiliams If you are involved in boxing in some way and have an interest in doing an Interview with us at TopClassBoxing. Please email me your name and email address to Paul@TopClassBoxing.co.uk. |
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