24.01.08 – Interview by Christopher Roche, Brickcityboxing.com: The opinions vary widely regarding IBF Light Welterweight Champ Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi. Critics point to his brash pre-fight banter, outrageous ring attire and lack of knockouts to diminish his accomplishments. Supporters point to his tremendous heart, beautiful jab and nifty footwork as evidence that he belongs in the elite bracket..
After winning a difficult first title defense against mandatory contender Herman Ngoudjo, perhaps the most refreshing thing about Malignaggi is his willingness to get right back in the ring against top competition. The 27 year-old Malignaggi disagrees with “gimmie” match-ups. He wants to test himself against the best the world has to offer, and in that regard, he is a true throwback.
Last week, I ran into Malignaggi at the grand opening of the new Union City Boxing Club in New Jersey, and not surprisingly, Ricky Hatton was on his mind, when I asked him whom he wants next.
“Ricky Hatton is the biggest fight possible. If we can’t make him, then I am sure there is other fights we can make,” explained Malignaggi. “Ricky is the fight I want, and Ricky’s the guy I know I could beat. In 08 if Ricky doesn’t fight me, then he is going back to what he used to do which is running from the big fights.”
Malignaggi continued, “I do not see any reason why the fight cannot be made. If he gets by his next fight-I heard he is getting some kind of gimmie or something-I do not see any reason why Ricky Hatton and Paulie Malignaggi cannot share the ring in 08.”
Since the bout with Hatton is by no means a done deal, I asked Malignaggi about another potential blockbuster, namely a bout with undefeated lightweight champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz. There have been rumors that Diaz might move up in weight, and Malignaggi is all for that bout. Malignaggi also made clear that he has tons of respect for Diaz.
“I am all for that fight. It’s a great styles match-up. I think it’s a fight I could definitely win also. I think it is a great fight for the fans too. Juan is a good fighter, a hard worker, and he is also a good example to the people,” said Malignaggi. “He has been a champion for awhile, so if someone like Juan Diaz could get in the ring with me, that would make for a tremendous fight and one I think people would want to watch.”
Making the big fights has proven difficult for Malignaggi. While the IBF title gives him great leverage, it still took seven months for his first defense to come about. Nevertheless, he is hopeful that his team will deliver a mega fight sooner rather than later.
“I need something big to happen in 08. I can only do my job, and that’s to win fights. I need my guys to really come through for me now, especially my promoter Lou DiBella,” said Malignaggi, who is 24-1, 5 KO’s. “I need him to come through for me, and get me the big fights and get me on TV and get me that exposure. His title is promoter, so he’s got to promote.”
If Malignaggi fights Hatton or Diaz in 2008, the boxing public would be treated to a wonderful match-up of contrasting styles. The brawler vs. the boxer is the most exciting scenario in boxing. Malignaggi vs. Hatton or Malignaggi vs. Diaz both seem to make a lot of sense, and Malignaggi says he is ready for either one of them.