BROOKLYN, NY — Stop me if you’ve heard this story before. Bernard Hopkins goes into the ring at an age when most fighters are long retired and schools a young, talented fighter who’s over 15 years younger than him. Yes, you’ve been witnessing the same scenario for over a decade, and Hopkins added another repeat last night with a unanimous decision over a completely lost Tavoris Cloud.
CLOUD DISAPPOINTS: Like most people, I picked Hopkins by decision, but expected Cloud to make it very difficult in spots for the old master. Instead, Cloud chose a horrible strategy of laying back and attempting to box with Hopkins at mid-range. What he got in return was repeated right hands, and a cut over his eye from a Hopkins counter left hook. When Cloud did throw hard during the inside fighting, he forced Hopkins to hold or move away. Those moments were always isolated though, and Cloud, who told me earlier this week that Hopkins would have trouble keeping him off, had his offense degraded to just following the Executioner around.
Cloud using his jab sparingly didn’t help and Hopkins used the ring well to prevent Cloud from getting set with his power shots.
HOPKINS PROMISED ANOTHER FIVE YEARS AND IT’S POSSIBLE: After the decision, Hopkins claimed that he’d go another five years before hanging it up. It definitely feels like he’ll go until 50, and with the competition at 175 it’s conceivable he can keep schooling these guys. There’s no Joe Calzaghes or even a Dwight Muhammad Qawi that could give B-Hop problems.
With that said, Hopkins made a point afterward to talk with Andre Ward and tell him again they’d never fight. From his tone, I got the impression HBO has been pushing for a “passing of the torch” match between the two. Hopkins isn’t having it, as he knows that’s the one guy at this stage of his career he definitely can’t beat (ie. a prime version of himself).
HOPKINS VS. CLEVERLY: Hopkins’s last 3 fights have been against the top guys at light-heavyweight in Cloud, Dawson and Pascal. The UK’s Nathan Cleverly has a high punch output so I’d like to see how Hopkins handles that at this stage.
THURMAN GETS WORKOUT AGAINST ZAVECK: Keith Thurman notched another lopsided victory last night on the undercard, but had to go 12 rounds with the tough Jan Zaveck. Thurman landed his best Sunday punches, but outside of a few brief pauses Zaveck kept coming and got in a few solid right hands to his credit. Zaveck’s chin was never in question, especially following his brawl with Andre Berto. However, with his heavy scar tissue I was surprised his face held up under the constant barrage of power shots.
The real fun came at the post-fight press conference with Thurman calling out Paulie Malignaggi (who was in the audience). Both had some nice lines for each other, but Paulie finished strong with digs at Thurman’s competition that made Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer jump in. Paulie will be fighting Adrien Broner (more on that in another piece), so this fight won’t be happening anytime soon. If it did, I think even at this stage of his young career Thurman takes it.
Boxing fans got nearly an five hour block of fights last night on Showtime with Golden Boy’s quadruple-header from the Barclays Center. Did it deliver? In a word, yes. Nearly all the fights were entertaining with an assortment of drama, knockdowns and a sad but devastating, highlight-reel knockout in the main event. Let’s get right to it.
DANNY GARCIA TKO4 ERIK MORALES: Even with the shame of the steroid controversy, I don’t think any fan that’s followed this sport at least the last 10 years or more wasn’t saddened by this knockout. On Twitter, I likened it to how Rocky Marciano ended Joe Louis’ career by knocking him through the ropes. Every solid punch shook Morales badly; the body shots shuddered his entire body. In the fourth, Garcia landed a pinpoint right cross that Morales’ equilibrium never recovered from. The same counter left hook that floored Amir Khan nearly had Morales doing a 360 before he crashed through the bottom rope. The only saving grace here is that his corner rightly jumped in to protect him. We’re all begging for Morales to retire, but he only went as far as saying this was his last fight in America. The old warrior wants to say a proper goodbye in Mexico, which we can only hope will be against a guy at the absolute lowest level. I can understand Morales not wanting his career ended with a positive steroid bust, taunts from Team Garcia and a possible KO of the Year loss, but the idea of him taking any more punches makes me cringe.
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI SD12 PABLO CESAR CANO: Did Christmas come early for the Magic Man? It’s telling that even in his Brooklyn hometown, the reaction was very mixed when he got the decision. For the record, I had the fight very close until the knockdown, and Cano definitely took the 12th as well. I felt a draw was fair, but Paulie taking it by a point on two cards (114-113) isn’t a robbery. Early on Paulie looked great; the left jab was sharp and the right opened a long, jagged cut over the left eye that looked to be a potential fight-ender. But by the third, Cano started finding a home for right hands and his thudding hooks to the body had Paulie laboring by the late rounds.
How you scored this fight really comes down to your preference. If you like boxers/stylists, you were probably taken by Paulie’s ring generalship and workrate. If power and aggression is your thing, you’ll side with Cano, who clearly landed the harder shots in nearly all the rounds (which accounts for that very wide, sole score of 118-109 for Cano). Depending on how Hatton looks, I wouldn’t mind Malignaggi’s proposition that they fight again next year. Malignaggi is looking to cash out and it’s one of best options at welterweight as far as a winnable, big fight. But if that fight doesn’t come off, Cano deserves a rematch.
PETER QUILLIN UD12 HASSAN N’DAM: This is the most entertaining six-knockdown fight I’ve ever seen. First off, N’Dam has a huge heart. Those left hooks Quillin landed were frightening and it seemed after every knockdown the fight was one solid shot from being over. But every time, N’Dam not only fired back, but he came forward and had Quillin at times in retreat. I had picked Quillin to score a KO simply because I thought N’Dam was too reckless and Quillin’s better technique would catch him. I was right about the latter, but N’Dam showed no quit whatsoever. It’s worth noting that the majority of observers had N’Dam winning all the rounds he wasn’t knocked down in. But, that means little when you’re talking three 10-7 rounds. So now that Quillin has the WBO middleweight title, where does he go from here? The two name fighters in the WBO rankings are Marco Antonio Rubio and Dmitry Pirog. I’d love the latter, but considering what Pirog did to Al Haymon’s last young middleweight (Danny Jacobs), I don’t see that one happening. Rubio is always a solid test so I could see that happening. Quillin also mentioned Matthew Macklin’s name in our interview, and Macklin definitely deserves a title shot after his performance against Joachim Alcine on the Martinez-Chavez Jr. undercard.
DEVON ALEXANDER UD12 RANDALL BAILEY: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! This fight wasn’t a good way to start the card. In fact, this should have been on Showtime Extreme instead of Danny Jacobs vs. Josh Luteran. I put more of the blame on Bailey, who failed to really uncork that right hand outside of two solid shots in the fifth. Sure, Alexander’s strategy of movement and turning him played a part, but the 38 year old Bailey showed no urgency throughout the fight. Now that Alexander has the IBF welterweight title, what’s his next move? Since Malignaggi has sights on Hatton, Alexander taking on the winner of Robert Guerrero vs. Andre Berto next month is an option, or even Kell Brook, who had a dominating KO win this weekend. One thing’s for sure is that we do not need to see another Alexander fight like this.
DANNY JACOBS TKO1 JOSH LUTERAN: Welcome back, Danny! His story is inspirational no matter where he ends up in his career. Like he said with his on-air interview, he has a greater appreciation of life and maturity that can only come from facing down death. Jacobs needs a lot more rounds under him, so about this time next year is when we’ll start to see where Jacobs fits in with the middleweight division.
In some ways, it’s hard to think of Paulie Malignaggi as a “veteran.” It seems like yesterday the brash Brooklynite was trash-talking Miguel Cotto and earning every fight fan’s respect with the brutal beating he endured, performing wild antics like wearing dreadlock extensions to the ring, and boldly calling out the corruption of the Texas Athletic Commission after a robbery “defeat” to Juan Diaz. But in reality, some of those signature moments from Malignaggi’s career came over six years ago. The Magic Man is now in his early 30s, a situation where every athlete, and especially boxers, realize time is not on their side. It’s fitting that at this last stage of his career, Malignaggi comes home to Brooklyn in the newly-opened Barclays Center to defend his WBA welterweight title against tough Mexican slugger Pablo Cesar Cano. No, this isn’t the same Malignaggi that emerged professionally from Brooklyn over a decade ago; the footspeed isn’t as quick, the hands not as fast. But in a game where the overwhelming importance is mental, Malignaggi explains why in 2012, he’s better than he’s ever been.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: It’s very noticeable that you’ve become less cocky and loud in recent years, signaling a newfound maturity and focus. Is there one particular moment you can pinpoint that brought about this transformation?
Malignaggi: When I lost to Amir Khan; it was a make or break point for me. I knew that if I’m going to continue with my boxing career I had to make certain changes and start approaching things differently. I looked around myself and changed the people and the surroundings. That’s exactly what I did and it’s made a change for the better.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: A few days ago on the conference call you mentioned that even though you’re not in your physical prime anymore, you consider yourself a much better fighter at this point. What differences have your noticed that make you believe that and also that you’ve passed your absolute prime?
Malignaggi: I don’t recover as fast from my workouts. I have had to know my body a lot better. I got away with a lot when I was younger just on physical talent, natural ability and just being young. My body could recover. At this age I can’t just do what I want because my body will let me know the next day. But you get smarter in that way. It would have been nice to have these mental notes when I was younger.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: A lot has been made of your recent stoppages, which have been rare throughout your career. Out of everything, from actual power to speed and technique, what do you believe is the biggest reason you’ve been able to get guys out of there?
Malignaggi: I think it’s the healthy hands, y’know? I’ve had four hand operations in my career. We’ve been blessed with healthy hands the last few years. For the most part I’ve battled hand injuries most of my boxing career. You’ll notice a big part of the stoppage in the last fight was a result of Senchenko’s eye being closed. It was not just my jab but being able to throw the right hand, a punch that I didn’t consistently have before because I was always breaking it.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: From the bloodbath he had with Erik Morales, we know that your opponent Pablo Cesar Cano is a tough fighter. What are you expecting out of him Saturday?
Malignaggi: I expect him to try and pressure me and be aggressive. That’s going to be easier said than done. I expect a guy who’s young and excited about the opportunity he’s got. I’ll have to work pretty hard in the early part of the fight but I’ll put him in his place as the fight goes on. Little by little I’ll have to break his will. He’ll have a lot of will, but little by little I’ll take it away.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: There’s been a lot of deserved praise for your commentating ability we’ve seen on Showtime, but you’ve also acted before. Will that be something you’ll continue to pursue in retirement?
Malignaggi: It’s cool; I don’t have an acting agent per say but I have fun doing it. It would be something cool to explore if those doors open. I’m not against any of it. I try to be an ambitious, driven and well-rounded person in my life.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Would I be wrong in saying you’ve never truly gotten over the loss to Ricky Hatton. Out of your losses, it seems that’s the one that you just have to avenge somehow.
Malignaggi: Yeah, that’s a fight I shouldn’t have lost. I don’t think Hatton won it; I lost it. It’s very clear if you look at any of my fights in 2008, it’s obvious the trainer I had (Buddy McGirt) wasn’t fitting the bill for me. It was a contrast of styles; the pieces weren’t fitting but he was still trying to make them fit anyway instead of adjusting to my strengths. In the end I paid the price with three terrible performances [that year] although I won two of them and lost the Hatton fight. I’m my own worst critic; all three were just brutal performances. None of them made me happy.
Even though I’ve took two losses since then, and one wasn’t really a loss in [Juan] Diaz because everyone knows I got robbed, I’ve only had one bad performance and that was to Amir Khan. The only thing that told me is that I had to leave 140 pounds. I believe I made my point and I’d like to make my point to Ricky Hatton, to show him the guy he fought wasn’t the guy the rest of the opponents in my career got to fight. I’d like to show him who Paulie Malignaggi really is. But, one thing at a time; Cano comes first and then we’ll see what happens. It’s definitely something I’m interested in.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: You mentioned the Amir Khan fight. You had some really entertaining trash talk before that fight and even went as far as printing up and selling “A Mere Con” t-shirts. That was really entertaining. Will we ever see things like that from you again?
Malignaggi: It’s all spontaneous; if I think of ideas I’ll do them. I’m definitely not against it. It’s entertaining and I give myself a laugh. If people get a kick out of it it’s cool too. But I never want to think of it too much because it’s spontaneous.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: One thing I’ve always had immense respect for concerning you is that essentially because of the power deficit, you have to fight the perfect fight every time out and not get too down on the cards. In the times you have been down big, you’ve never quit or looked discouraged. How do you mentally stay focused knowing the climb back is near impossible?
Malignaggi: You just try to take it second by second, minute by minute. You can’t look ahead too much. You realize a fight’s not going your way but if you start to look at the long haul [ahead], like “it’s going to be a long night,” mentally you’re going to fold and break. You try to look at it in the moment of where it’s at. Try to win every moment and the one afterward. If the knockout comes, you take it. If you think too deeply, you’ll break. Avoid that at all costs.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: You’ve admitted that you won’t be able to achieve all your career goals in the few years remaining in your career. What are the ones that you think you can still get done?
Malignaggi: I wanted to be world champion in three classes. Originally I turned pro at lightweight and told myself I’d be champion at lightweight, junior welterweight and welterweight. I couldn’t make lightweight [long enough] and had to move up to 140 pounds in a year of my pro debut. If the right opportunity came at junior middleweight I would try and shoot for a world title there. These are very tough goals I set for myself.
I wanted to be in the Hall of Fame but I’m not sure if I can achieve that anymore. There were some key losses so it’ll be interesting to see what I achieve from here on out. I try to approach every fight with that type of hunger and determination to leave my mark on the sport.
And obviously, to make as much money as I can in the sport. I figured being successful would always create revenue, so just maximizing these world title wins with as much income as I can.
Beats, Boxing & Mayhem: Thanks for your time, Paulie. Welcome home and best of luck tonight.
World championship boxing returns to Brooklyn with an inaugural night of fights at the new Barclays Center on October 20 headlined by Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia against future Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. In the co-featured attractions, Brooklyn’s own Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi puts his WBA Welterweight World Championship on the line against hard-hitting Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano, undefeated number one rated WBO middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin of Manhattan takes on unbeaten Hassan N’Dam for N’Dam’s WBO Middleweight World Championship and Devon Alexander “The Great” faces Randall Bailey for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship in a bout presented in association with DiBella Entertainment. The SHOWTIME® CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
The undercard is loaded with many of New York’s top fighters, including Brooklyn’s hot middleweight prospect Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs, former World Champion Luis Collazo, the Bronx’s rising star Eddie Gomez, former world title contender Dmitriy Salita and Brooklyn prospect Boyd Melson.
Tickets pricedat $300, $200, $100 and $50 are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com,www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.
Prediction: Drug controversy aside, there’s not much that makes me think Erik Morales can turn around what happened in the first fight. At times, we saw Morales counter Garcia effectively, but the younger fighter’s power and stamina allowed him to take over late and drop El Terrible. This one I don’t see going the distance. Garcia was clearly angered by Morales’ alleged steroid use, and fighting upset and brawling can only help Morales’ chances. But at some point, the heroic efforts run out for every fighter and this appears to be it for Morales. GARCIA BY LATE TKO
Bailey: 147
Alexander: 146.8
Prediction: Can lightning strike twice Randall Bailey? On the surface, I’d say no. Still, Bailey brought up a good point back in September when this fight was first supposed to happen. He said that in the majority of Alexander’s big fights, he’s gotten clocked and sometimes dropped by right hands (Bailey’s massive power punch). There’s truth to that — Matthysse, Kotelnik and Bradley got in their share of solid rights. Nonetheless, controversial as they were, only Bradley got a victory. Bailey will get in at least one massive shot, maybe even score a knockdown, but Alexander is going to be cautious and not get hit enough to get in any prolonged serious trouble. Alexander by unanimous decision.
Malignaggi: 146.2
Cano: 147.2
Prediction: Cano couldn’t get under the welterweight limit on several tries, so Paulie’s WBA strap isn’t on the line. Look for Cano to try and apply a lot of pressure early, leading to some rough spots for Malignaggi (who’s woeful on the inside). Since Cano is the one moving up, and Malignaggi’s been punching with more authority (with the jab and body work), I think the Magic Man handles Cano’s aggressiveness just fine and proceeds to stick the jab and outbox Cano by the middle rounds. With his hometown as the backdrop, Paulie Maligaggi cruises to a comfortable unanimous decision.
Quillin: 159.2
N’Jikam: 159
Prediction: If an upset were to happen on this card, this is the most likely fight. Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam has a high punch output and fast hands. During inside exchanges, it’s conceivable that he can catch Quillin. However, Kid Chocolate holds the advantage everywhere else: he’s more accurate, throws straighter shots and has more power. N’Jikam attributes will present some problems, but his recklessness and wide punches likely will have him running into a big Quillin right hand. Quillin TKO7
World championship boxing returns to Brooklyn with an inaugural night of fights at the new Barclays Center on October 20 headlined by Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia against future Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. In the co-featured attractions, Brooklyn’s own Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi puts his WBA Welterweight World Championship on the line against hard-hitting Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano, undefeated number one rated WBO middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin of Manhattan takes on unbeaten Hassan N’Dam for N’Dam’s WBO Middleweight World Championship and Devon Alexander “The Great” faces Randall Bailey for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship in a bout presented in association with DiBella Entertainment. The SHOWTIME® CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
The undercard is loaded with many of New York’s top fighters, including Brooklyn’s hot middleweight prospect Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs, former World Champion Luis Collazo, the Bronx’s rising star Eddie Gomez, former world title contender Dmitriy Salita and Brooklyn prospect Boyd Melson.
Tickets pricedat $300, $200, $100 and $50 are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com,www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.
BROOKLYN, NY — Paulie Malignaggi and Danny Jacobs participated in a joint media workout yesterday at Gleason’s Gym to promote Golden Boy’s October 20 quadruple-header at the Barclays Center.
Malignaggi will be defending his newly won WBA welterweight title against Pablo Cesar Cano. Danny Jacobs, who’s returning to the ring after beating cancer tumors and temporary paralysis, takes on Josh Luteran.
The card will air on Showtime at 8 p.m. ET.
DANNY JACOBS
To have gone through what I’ve gone through in the past year and a half , to have this opportunity and attention, to have people say I appreciate you, it’s an amazing feeling.
To have this amazing Barclays card on October 20, it’s going to be historical.
The doctors told me I would never be able to box again. It was the crazy part of me that wanted to do what the doctors told me I couldn’t do.
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
The whole motivation was not just to defend a world title but to pu on a show for Brooklyn.
I’m here to win and look spectacular and really make a statement.
I expect Brooklyn to be in the house, that’s for sure.”
DONETSK, UKRAINE – Paulie Malignaggi secured his second major world title with a dominating stoppage of previously unbeaten Vyacheslav Senchenko yesterday (April 29) at the Donbass Arena.
Although fighting in Senchenko’s hometown, Malignaggi never let his opponent get into the fight. The accuracy of his left jab caused bad swelling around Senchenko’s left eye and forced referee Steve Smoger to halt the bout in the ninth round.
“This is the happiest day of my life,” said Malignaggi, who attained only the seventh stoppage of his 11-year career. “I trained really hard for this fight and believed in myself. I don’t care what anyone says, I’m a two-division world champion. This is exactly why I signed with Golden Boy. I’m ready to fight any welterweight in the world.”
With the IBF welterweight title vacated by Andre Berto, Malignaggi joins Floyd Mayweather (WBC) and Manny Pacquiao (WBO) as the reigning titlists of the division. With Devon Alexander also looking for a title shot in the wake of his recent victory over Marcos Maidana, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer is very optimistic about Malignaggi’s welterweight marketability and options.
“With this dominating performance, he put everyone at 147 pounds on notice,” said Schaefer. “Ever since he moved to the welterweight division, he has assembled one thrilling performance after another and now the crowning achievement… welterweight world champion! Brooklyn here we come!”
Prediction: Bernard Hopkins by unanimous decision. If the Chad Dawson of circa 2005 comes to the ring tomorrow night, he’ll likely defeat Hopkins. Problem is, there’s nothing in Dawson’s recent fights to make one think he’ll all of sudden become the active, sharp punching southpaw he used to be. After some very slow early rounds, expect Hopkins to start landing well with the right hand and mauling inside.
Prediction: Linares by unanimous decision. DeMarco has the power but I think Linares’ faster hands will see him through this one.
WEIGHTS: GARCIA (139.4), HOLT (139.4)
Prediction: Danny Garcia by TKO7. This should be a good fight. Holt will stun Garcia a few times, but Garcia’s pressure will eventually wear the veteran down. This may very well end up being the best fight of the night in terms of action.
WEIGHTS : MALIGNAGGI (147.4), LORA (147.5)
Prediction: Malignaggi by decision. There’s not much footage available on Lora but from what I’ve seen Paulie has distinct advances with hand and foot speed. I don’t see the Magic Man having many problems in this one.
Former lightweight champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz is still undecided about whether to retire.
Diaz has lost the majority of his fights since suffering an upset, unanimous decision loss to Nate Campbell in 2008. In his last six fights, Diaz is 2-4, dropping his last two by unanimous decision to Paulie Malignaggi and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Despite being only 27, Diaz’s career options appear limited. Juan Manuel Marquez is the lightweight champion, and proved his dominance over Diaz by defeating him twice. Junior welterweight has many emerging talents. But Diaz did not look sharp in fighting Malignaggi at 137 and 138 pounds, lowering the likelihood that Diaz can compete against bigger fighters with his already limited punching power.
Following the Marquez loss last July, HBO commentator Jim Lampley asked Diaz if he would retire. With the possibility of a law career looming, Diaz remained non-committal, advising a decision would be announced after consulting family members.
Six months later, Diaz still finds the life-altering move difficult to make.
“To all my hardcore fans I really want to thank you for all the support,” Diaz wrote on Twitter. “I am sorry I have not posted my decision about my boxing career… I did not think this decision would be this hard. I am still not sure on this decision but will notify you all as soon as I make it!!!!”
Juan Diaz’s record is 35-4, with 17 KOs. He is currently ranked in the Top 10 of one sanctioning body, the WBO, which has him at #10.
Amir Khan’s trainer, Freddie Roach, is confident his man will score a late knockout over power-puncher Marcos Maidana next Saturday (December 11).
Going into this WBA, 140 pound title match, the main question has been whether Amir Khan’s chin can withstand Maidana’s power. Despite a string of wins, including over Andriy Kotelnik and Paulie Malignaggi, Khan’s career continues to be haunted by an embarrassing 1st round KO to Breidis Prescott in 2008.
Roach, who began training Khan after that loss, believes he’s molded a new fighter that’s a class above Maidana. He sees Khan delivering a slow beating that Maidana won’t be able to handle late into the fight. Then, Roach says, Khan will turn from boxer to aggressive finisher.
“We’re ready for the fight and have the game plan down,” Roach earlier today in a conference call. “We will go after Maidana sometime in the fight, but after we break him down. That’ll take some rounds because he’s a durable guy. But we will break him down and knock him out in the late rounds.”
Maidana’s last fight was against DeMarcus Corley, in what was supposed to be a stay busy fight against a past prime fighter. Instead, Maidana was nearly KO’d and barely survived a late fight Corley surge. Roach maintains his confidence is not from that performance, but rather Khan’s multi-faceted, boxer-puncher skills compared to Maidana’s limited, but effective slugging style.
“I think it was probably hard for him to get up for Corley,” Roach admitted. “I don’t know how hard he trained, but he’ll be at his best for Amir, because Amir is the best fighter in the world at his weight. We expect to see him how he looked in other fights, where he looked great. That’s what we’re ready for.”
Weighing in, Amir Khan expects to confuse Maidana with a mixture of boxing and pressure.
“There are going to be times when I put pressure on Maidana,” he revealed. “But we know he’s a come forward fighter, so other times we’ll want him to come looking for me.”
Khan-Maidana will air live on HBO Championship Boxing.
Former IBF junior welterweight titlist Paulie Malignaggi (27-4, 5 KOs) has announced today that he’s officially signed to Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.
Malignaggi broke the news via his Twitter account. Lou DiBella was Malignaggi’s previous promoter, but the Brooklyn fighter brought out his contract and severed ties amicably following his TKO loss to Amir Khan in May.
Malignaggi, who competes at junior welterweight, had his mind set on making a run overseas for European title. Although raised in Brooklyn, Malignaggi can legally compete for the title since he was born in Italy. The 140 pound title is currently held by undefeated Irish fighter Paul McCloskey (21-0, 11 KOs).
Malignaggi joins 12 other junior welterweights on Golden Boy’s roster, including Victor Ortiz, Amir Khan, Nate Campbell and Marcos Maidana.
At press time, Golden Boy is eliciting fan feedback on Twitter to help decide who Paulie Malignaggi’s next opponent should be.
It’ll be interesting to see if Malignaggi still attempts to try his European run. Golden Boy doesn’t really have much pull in that market. If he can, it’ll give him the chance to make money in some easy fights. Matthew Hatton, brother of Ricky, is currently the European welterweight champ. Being that Malignaggi has already fought Ricky Hatton, facing off against Matthew might help generate a good payday for Paulie. And if he’s looking for a challenge, he could consider someone like Andriy Kotelnik.
Here in the States Malignaggi has a few decent options. He’s already lost to Khan, and I would hope Golden Boy didn’t sign him just to feed him to their other star hopeful Victor Ortiz. If the European tour isn’t a go, Malignaggi should look to make a fight with Nate Campbell. The bout itself wouldn’t be the greatest, but both excel at trash talking and would build it into a solid undercard fight. And if Malignaggi and Golden Boy decide to look outside their stable, a Zab Judah fight would be an all-Brooklyn showdown that would generate coverage.
Paulie Malignaggi is 29 years old. Not an ancient fighter, but he’s slowed down and this was a deal to secure his financial future in boxing. He may not ever capture another world title, but I’m certain the Magic Man has a few more competitive fights left in him.
