Photos: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will set the stage for another fantastic year of world-class boxing when flashy, charismatic Paulie Malignaggi defends his IBF junior welterweight title against mandatory challenger and IBF No. 1 contender, Herman Ngoudjo, on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). The 12-round world title fight is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and will take place at Bally’s Main Ballroom at Atlantic City, N.J. Tickets priced at $250 and $125 are on sale and can be purchased at the Bally’s Box Office, by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577, Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com..
PAUL MALIGNAGGI: “Don’t worry about remembering my opponent’s name, because come Sunday, no one will remember him anymore. I plan on punishing Ngoudjo and I will break him down for talking so much crap. If I win by knockout, it will be in the later rounds. I’m a gangster. I don’t worry about my opponents, but my opponents need to worry about me.
“The Magic Man” will make “The Black Panther” disappear come Saturday night.
“I want to fight three or four times in this year. And I’m not talking about walkthrough fights, I want to have breakthrough fights.
“I want to be remembered as the fighter who gave it all that he had for the dream. I know I come across as arrogant, but I hope people see passed that. I’m a genuine, honest, person. When it’s all said and done, I will be remembered as someone who went after his dreams and fulfilled them.
“Ngoudjo talked about taking the belt away on Saturday. He will be going home empty handed. The belt is staying right here with me.
“I know the hunger he has inside of him. I remember what it was like to fight for the title. I am just as hungry as he is.”
HERMAN NGOUDJO:
“I am going to punish Paulie. My fists will be singing in 12 different languages so I hope Paulie knows Italian since that will be one language of choice.
“I have no personal issues with Paulie, I am just going to show him up in the ring.
“The Magic Man will be in for a surprise if he thinks he will punish me.
“I knew I wanted to fight Paulie right after the Ndou fight. After I saw that fight, I said ‘I want this guy’ and I always get what I want. Now, I want to win, so I will win.
“It’s my time to shine. I don’t care what Paulie has to say. I’m here to make my dream come true so bring it to me. I’m ready.
“After I take his belt, we’re going to have a big party to celebrate.
“Paulie is a good fighter, but he is not better than me. I will punish him for everything he has said.”