Q&A with Paulie Malignaggi as August 22 bout nears!
Houston is known for their rowdy hoedowns, but next week get ready for an even rougher showdown when Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi takes on Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz on August 22 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Brooklyn-born Malignaggi is ready and waiting for his chance to tangle with Houston’s beloved native son Diaz (34-2-0, 17 KOs), and is not concerned about fighting in the former lightweight champ’s own backyard at a catch weight of 138.5 pounds.
With his far-from-shy personality, colorful clothing, and flamboyant style (he once wore hair extensions in the ring!), Paulie has been a fan favorite throughout his career while amassing a 26-2-0, 5 KO record with his slick style of fighting.
I had the chance to meet Malignaggi at last year’s Kelly Pavlik-Jermain Taylor rematch. With the big fight coming up, I wanted to catch up with the former IBF Junior Welterweight Champion to see how things were going with just a few days before his scheduled 12-round bout against Diaz.
And come August 22nd, the 28-year-old “Magic Man” feels he has a lot to prove since his heartbreaking loss to Ricky Hatton last November under former trainer Buddy McGirt. Feeling like he needed a change, Malignaggi is now working under the tutelage of new trainer Sherif Younan. In April he had a tune-up fight against Christopher Fernandez, winning by unanimous decision.
Though he swells with New York pride, the young welter also has ties to the West Coast, having trained as a teen at the Wild Card Boxing Club with Freddie Roach. But for the Sicilian boxer–with his passion for rap tunes and strong loyalty to the East Coast–Brooklyn is where his heart is. Malignaggi was even asked to throw out the first pitch during “Italian Heritage Night” at a recent Brooklyn Cyclones (New York Mets Single-A team) baseball game.
Outside of the ring, he’s dabbled in modeling and also has the distinction of starring as “Little Mac” in Wii’s “Punch Out!” The likable fighter is also featured in Playstation and Xbox’s “Fight Night Round 4.”
Having just two blemishes on his ledger (the Ricky Hatton defeat and a tough loss to Miguel Cotto), the speedy fighter is looking forward to adding another victory in his win column. Beating opponents Lovemore N’dou (twice) and Edner Cherry among many others, Malignaggi is ready to shine once again on the HBO “Boxing After Dark” matchup against the 25-year-old Diaz.
Michele Chong: Hi Paul!
Paulie Malignaggi: Hello, thanks for the interview.
MC: How’s it going in the gym with your new trainer?
PM: Paulie Malignaggi never slacks off in the gym, training is great. Me and the new trainer fit together perfectly, he knows what Paulie Malignaggi likes, and we handle business. You’re going to see the old Malignaggi back in action.
MC: So what will the “Magic Man” do to stop the “Baby Bull”?
PM: I’m going to be the matador in this fight! Everyone knows Paulie Malignaggi always has tricks up his sleeve. It’s going to be a great fight; Diaz is a great fighter.
MC: How will you handle Diaz’s style of fighting? Any new strategy?
PM: We’re used to pressure fighters; he’s going to come forward. On August 22nd, I will show everyone what we got for Juan Diaz. I can’t let the “tricks” out the hat yet. But after it is all said and done, the critics won’t be able to hate on Paulie Malignaggi no more.
MC: As an East Coast guy and fellow fighter, how has the Arturo Gatti tragedy affected you?
PM: It affected us all. He was a true champion that loved his sport. I’m going to miss him deeply, and he’ll be with me on August 22nd. We love you, Gattti!
MC: Paulie, I know you’re ready for Houston…but is Houston ready for YOU?
PM: We know Houston’s going to be hot, but we come to cool it off!
MC: This one’s for the ladies: Any new hairstyles you’ll be busting out for the fight?
PM: (He laughs.) The ladies love the hair? Not sure what it’s going to be, I got a few ideas.
MC: Any shout outs you’d like to say to your friends and loyal fans?
PM: Everyone on facebook, myspace and the fans all over, we love ya! Thanks for the support. And thanks to everyone who’s been with Paul Malignaggi since day one.
MC: Any other comments that you’d like to add?
PM: FOR ALL YOU HATERS, YOU GET A BIG F**K YOU!
MC: (Laughs) Okay, thanks again, Paulie. Buona fortuna (Good luck)! We’ll be watching you on August 22nd–I know it will be GREAT!
Photos courtesy of Paul Malignaggi