Paulie ‘Magic Man’ Malignaggi (33-6-0) vs Danny ‘Swift’ Garcia (30-0-0)
This was an interesting match-up between two fighters that seem to have been in the game for a long time.
Malignaggi
Paulie has been around for over 14 years. He’s been a world champion and certainly shone as one the real characters of the sport, admittedly probably annoying as many people as making fans. Who else has needed a haircut during a fight?!
Many would assume that Pauli had been on the slide, with two losses out of his last three, although I do feel was unlucky against Broner. I think that when put in against the best Malignaggi has struggled, but he’s always given his all. He has shown blistering speed, but the power just doesn’t seem to be there at the highest level.
He went into this fight probably hopefully of another shot at a world title in the hugely competitive welterweight division, but also mindful that this could be his last chance.
Garcia
Garcia’s record is very impressive, with 18 KO wins from 30 victories, but I’ve never really been a big fan.
I believe his victory against Khan was more to with a lapse in Khan’s concentration than skill from Garcia (Massive overhand left – he wasn’t even looking at Khan when he threw it). I also believe that he was very lucky in both MD victories against Peterson and Herrera.
Garcia and his mouthy father must have realised that things were not going to plan so have now taken the decision to move up to the welterweight division from light welter where Garcia has held world titles.
I feel that Malignaggi has been picked as his name is big enough to attract the cash and look like a decent opponent on Garcia’s record, but with limited punching power would be little threat to Garcia at the higher weight.
Fight
Garcia started the stronger fighter in this one, taking the fight to Malignaggi and not allowing Malignaggi the time or space to operate in the speedy counter-punching style he would like to. The third round saw some big shots land from Garcia, Malignaggi getting a cut over the right eye.
The fourth saw a rather cautious Malignaggi, not looking to engage, perhaps damaged after the third. The fifth saw Paulie step-up his game though – he managed to get some good, strong jabs off and put some pressure on Garcia. I’d probably just give Paulie the fifth.
Rounds 6-8 saw Garcia firmly take control. Malignaggi suffered another cut and Garcia’s jab and body work looked to put Paulie in real trouble. His only response being to throw some weak jabs.
Round nine – The ringside doc started the round by inspecting Malignaggi’s cuts, but he was allowed to continue. Garcia piled the pressure on landing a series of nasty body combos and catching his opponent with a big right hand to the head. The referee jumping in and stopping the contest.
Aftermath
Malignaggi
Malignaggi announced his retirement from the sport soon after the bout.
I feel that this is a sensible move for the Brooklynite. He’s fought at the top level for many years, been a world champion and has a long media career ahead of him. There’s simply no need for him to continue on at a lower level. I wish him all the best for the future.
Garcia
Garcia did what was expected of him in this one. His first fight up at welterweight has proven to be a success and he can move onto more challenging encounters going forwards. Will he maintain his unbeaten record against the best in the division?
I think he will struggle. I just feel that Garcia’s luck may well run out when he matched up against the elite level in this division. He’s been lucky in the past and unless he can up his game to the next level I think he may come unstuck.
Conclusion
An interesting battle that went as expected. All the best to both fighters going forwards.
