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!”
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 
Was punch perfect performance for Paulie, quite pos the best Ive seen of him… Done well to stop him without his power, last thing you want to do is need a points decision in them kinda countries