Magic Man Overwhelms Diaz For UD

Like their first fight, Paulie Malignaggi went the distance with Baby Bull, Juan Diaz, but this time, the Magic Man’s boozing wizardry proved to be too much for the game and aggressive Diaz. He was simply superb and boxed beautifully. In a need to point it out further, what Malignaggi did to Diaz was the same thing he did when they fought in Houston, Texas.

Only this time, no judges favored the Texan native.

Malignaggi used his left jab so beautifully to sting Diaz time and then. The Texan was seen to be frustrated with the Magic Man doing his magic – boxing, quick lateral movements, and frequent 1-2s – while keeping Diaz on the charge.

Simply put, Diaz’s skills and abilities were no match for the Bronx native’s ring savvy. That said, Diaz had his moments, particularly in the fifth round, when he had Malignaggi backed against the ropes and pummeled away at his body. Diaz did not hurt Malignaggi to wear him down.

In the 12th round, Malignaggi made a surprising stand as he went all-out against Diaz. Malignaggi is no power puncher while Diaz is. Both men did go for the knockout, however, it went the distance. All judges scored the bout 116-111, giving Diaz the unanimous victory and finally sealed that controversy in Texas.

As Big Ragu jokingly warned boxers, never fight in Texas.

Is Paulie Up for Redemption?

I have always seen former junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi as a second-tier fighter. While he is a good fighter with above average boxing skills overall, he lacks knockout power in both hands. Should he be gifted with destructive punches, he would have been an exciting fighter to watch.

But then again, what he lacked in the power department, he makes up with his excellent boxing IQ, ring savvy, superior hand speed, and quick reflexes. And it was evident in his last outing against Juan Diaz in Texas that he was the better man in terms of all attributes mentioned above.

While Baby Bull was tenacious and aggressive, Paulie was cool and adamant. In a battle that featured a contrast of styles, Paulie’s potshotting and lateral movements gave Diaz fits, although the former also had his moments.

The fight was close that a draw or a close decision either way would have been the right call. But as Paulie prophesied way before the fight, hometown advantage for Diaz was more than just the roaring crowd. With judges who should not be allowed to judge again, Diaz was made the victor over the Bronx native in scores that showcased wide margins.

In a rematch that will be staged in the neutral Chicago, Paulie has the chance to redeem himself. So does Diaz. Both men want to close this chapter of their career. For Paulie, beating Diaz should avenge his loss. On the other hand, a convincing Diaz victory should end the controversial whispers that arose from their first fight.