Brick City Boxing

By Les Dowgier

Approximately four months after losing a controversial decision to Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz in Diaz’s hometown of Houston, Texas, Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi got his vindication, out-boxing (and this time officially outpointing) the Baby Bull en route to a unanimous decision and the NABO Light Welterweight Title at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago this past Saturday night.

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The Brooklyn born boxer picked up in Chicago exactly where he left off in Houston, using his superior speed and defense to constantly make Diaz miss while beating him to the punch all night. Malignaggi appeared to be too much for the Mexican-American warrior, throwing more punches than the usually very busy Diaz, opening up a cut over Juan’s eye in the second round and even staggering the Baby Bull in the sixth round (something which appeared to surprise Paulie as much as the commentators). Juan was having a very rough time and didn’t appear to fight his usual fight, consisting of constant pressure and almost non-stop punching. Also, his corner wasn’t making matters any better, offering rather poor and at times seemingly contradictory advice.

Despite a controversial knockdown called by referee Genaro Rodriguez in the tenth round after Paulie cuffed and pulled down Diaz, who’s glove appeared to graze the canvass, Malignaggi clearly won the fight and deserved the decision. Paulie got a chance at redemption and certainly made the best of the opportunity. A great night for the Magic Man and for boxing in Chicago.