Leeroy
07-06-2007, 01:22 AM
Malignaggi blasted on the scene 2 years ago;an unknown prospect by most hard-core boxing fans,but well known in the Brooklyn circle.
When Paul Malignaggi first stepped into the public spot-light,the majority of fight fans,including myself,thought he was an over-hyped boxer,trying to make a name for himself with his jaw - his boxing ability was evident from day one;but how far that boxing ability could take him was anyone's guess(Without fighting a game opponent).
That soon changed when he fought Cotto.
Stepping up and facing Cotto,that early in his career already cemented the fact he's not afraid of REAL competition....In my opinion,Malignaggi,in his supreme arrogance,or CONFIDENCE if you will;wanted badly to prove his skills to the world/boxing public.
Most people thought Paulie was enroute to an early night,via TKO/KO - that wasn't the case. He fought valiantly,for most of the fight with one hand,a swollen face and a broken cheek-bone - all attributes of a real fighting gentlemen. Paul won 5 rounds according to most boxing fans,myself included;hardly a performance by an over-hyped shit-talker.
Given all of this,I think Malignaggi needed badly a loss on his record,to better prepare him for the future crown of the 140 pound division....The loss on behalf of Cotto has done wonders for his boxing-mentality,his reality,and more importantly,has grounded him.
He came back months later and derailed a game opponent in N'dou. He commpletely dominated,out-classed,and boxed N'dou via a 12 round UD.
Seeing as how Malignaggi is far from his respective fighting-prime,and with 2 more big fights - possibly Hatton/Witter......How do you see him matching up against Floyd Mayweather(Given the fact Mayweather beats Hatton,if they fight)?
Stylistically? Paulie has speed to boot,much like Mayweather. I would venture and take a guess;Malignaggi has better foot-work,and the better jab,while mayweather encompasses him in every other conceivable catagory.
How would you rate Malignaggi's progress thus far,and likewise,judge a possible Floyd Mayweather vs Paul Malignaggi square-off?
When Paul Malignaggi first stepped into the public spot-light,the majority of fight fans,including myself,thought he was an over-hyped boxer,trying to make a name for himself with his jaw - his boxing ability was evident from day one;but how far that boxing ability could take him was anyone's guess(Without fighting a game opponent).
That soon changed when he fought Cotto.
Stepping up and facing Cotto,that early in his career already cemented the fact he's not afraid of REAL competition....In my opinion,Malignaggi,in his supreme arrogance,or CONFIDENCE if you will;wanted badly to prove his skills to the world/boxing public.
Most people thought Paulie was enroute to an early night,via TKO/KO - that wasn't the case. He fought valiantly,for most of the fight with one hand,a swollen face and a broken cheek-bone - all attributes of a real fighting gentlemen. Paul won 5 rounds according to most boxing fans,myself included;hardly a performance by an over-hyped shit-talker.
Given all of this,I think Malignaggi needed badly a loss on his record,to better prepare him for the future crown of the 140 pound division....The loss on behalf of Cotto has done wonders for his boxing-mentality,his reality,and more importantly,has grounded him.
He came back months later and derailed a game opponent in N'dou. He commpletely dominated,out-classed,and boxed N'dou via a 12 round UD.
Seeing as how Malignaggi is far from his respective fighting-prime,and with 2 more big fights - possibly Hatton/Witter......How do you see him matching up against Floyd Mayweather(Given the fact Mayweather beats Hatton,if they fight)?
Stylistically? Paulie has speed to boot,much like Mayweather. I would venture and take a guess;Malignaggi has better foot-work,and the better jab,while mayweather encompasses him in every other conceivable catagory.
How would you rate Malignaggi's progress thus far,and likewise,judge a possible Floyd Mayweather vs Paul Malignaggi square-off?