Few fighters in the history of boxing have carried themselves with the same verbal and physical swagger that seems to emanate from Paulie Malignaggi so effortlessly.
In a career spanning over sixteen years he has evolved into the multi-talented, multi-lingual and multiple time world champion we know today.
At 36 the timing would be perfect to begin winding down on an impressive and memorable career filled with standout moments. However, ‘The Magic Man’ has other plans.
He is scheduled to face Britain’s Sam Eggington for the WBC International Welterweight Title on the undercard of the Haye/Bellew match-up in what promises to be an entertaining night for British boxing fans.
Speaking to Sky Sports about fighting a prospect of Eggington’s stature Malignaggi was quick to highlight his opponent’s considerable lack of boxing credentials, albeit in the most eloquent way possible:
“I haven’t lost to this kind of fighter.”
While it’s clear Malignaggi has no intentions to insult the Birmingham-born up-and-comer the skill differential between the two is glaringly obvious for some – something Malignaggi hasn’t left unnoticed in his build-up the fight.
Looking at the professional records of both fighters side by side it’s difficult to disagree with Paulie – While his only losses have come at the hands of stellar opposition, Eggington’s defeats came against much lesser-profile fighters:
“Everybody that’s beaten me has been a world champion or a past world champion.”, Malignaggi said of his 43-7 record.
On paper it’s a fight that Malignaggi should walk through with ease – using his superior jab and ring prowess to keep Eggington at bay all night long while cruising through to a predictable unanimous decision victory.
Eggington, on the other hand, is vastly improved since his gun-ho Prizefighter days, as we saw when he faced off against an out-gunned and (rumoured to be) under prepared Frankie Gavin in one of the fights of the year several months ago:
