17.06.07 – By Tony Nobbs: Brooklyn, New York’s Paulie Malignaggi boxed his way to a convincing unanimous decision over Lovemore Ndou from Sydney, Australia, at Uncassville, CT on Saturday night (US time) to run away with the IBF junior welterweight belt. 26 year old Malignaggi was too fast of hand and foot for the 35 year old Ndou who did not do near enough with his hands to stay competitive. Malignaggi set the theme for the 12 rounder in the first minute of opening round as he jabbed, jabbed and jabbed some more.
Ndou landed a short right over the top and a left hook seconds later but Malignaggi carried the round and simply kept doing what works for the remainder. Ndou had good rounds in four and five, caused a slight nick, but for the most part walked up in front of Paulie who began letting combinations go in the last half and circled to his left with ease, finding home with the right more as the fight went on. Lovemore came out hard in the final round but Malignaggi closed in style.
In the pre-fight brief I picked Ndou by decision but made point of Malignaggi’s edge in speed. That factor was big in this fight. Tonight, Lovemore looked 35 and Paulie looked a star and he again let it be known he wants to fight Ricky Hatton. (Right now, I tend to think Hatton would be too strong and persistent). My score 118-108. Officials 120-106 (x 2) & 118-108. I’m not going to argue with a shutout. Ndou deducted a point round 6 for a rabbit punch and suffered a flash knock down in round 9 from a right hand.
Later, Lovemore questioned the impartiality of ref Eddie Cotton and immediately called for a rematch (stating a rematch clause was in the contract). Cotton was on Ndou through out the bout. When he deducted a point in the 6th, the South African born Ndou did seem to lose interest. (That is the part of the fight he usually comes on). But, he had already allowed Malignaggi to get his rhythm, and on this night, he was never going to be able to stop the trend with a big punch. Cotton did make it tougher, but Paulie won the title.
Malignaggi goes to 23-1, 5 KO’s, Ndou slips to 45-9-1, 30 KO’s.