This past week the recent press tour announcing the May 15th Amir Khan-Paulie Malignaggi bout was well documented from both ends of the spectrum. Khan has shown great strides following his 2008 knockout loss to Breidis Prescott and is said by some to be one of the sport’s most promising young champions. Malignaggi’s career was in doubt following a November 2008 stoppage loss to Ricky Hatton but he rebounded last year with a pair of high profile showdowns with former Lightweight champion Juan ‘Baby Bull’ Diaz.
As the two fighters hit New York and London the bravado has been hot and heavy from both ends. Khan speaks with respect towards Malignaggi while also having the tone that his assignment on the 15th won’t be too difficult. Malignaggi speaks like a veteran with his back to the wall and one who is ready to surprise many. The talk has also trickled outside the realm of respect as Malignaggi has continued his insistence that Khan stable mate Manny Pacquiao is up to something illegal behind the scenes while trainer Freddie Roach has fired back, claiming that his charge will ‘walk through’ Paulie when they meet at Madison Square Garden.
Everything seems to be in place for a memorable night this coming May and the boxing world has been keeping a close eye on all of the developments. I asked some boxing insiders to give me their thoughts on all of the pre-fight trash talk, Khan’s improvement as a young titlist, their thoughts on Malignaggi over the years, and what they expect to happen when their worlds clash. This is what everyone is saying…
Chris ‘The Mechanic’ Smith is a former Welterweight contender who compiled a 21-6-1 record while facing the likes of Sharmba Mitchell, David Estrada, Jesus Soto Karass and others. This is what the Queens resident had to say…
“As far as the talk, that’s just the personality of the two camps. I was surprised when Khan got stopped by prescott so am I’m not surprised that he rebounded the way he did. My thoughts on Paulie is that he’s a great guy. He’s someone that you can count on. He’s a real person not a made up individual. I’ve known him through the years and he’s a very skillful boxer. When he is on his game their is not many boxers that can compete with him. I think paulie is going to out box amir khan in a very exciting bout”
Andre Rozier is a trainer in the Brooklyn area who works with the likes of ‘Mean’ Joe Greene, undefeated Sadam Ali, and Middleweight prospect Danny Jacobs. Rozier also runs the successful boxing apparel line Havoc (www.HavocWorldWide.com). This is what Rozier had to say…
“I think that both Paulie and Amir know what this fight needs; promoting. This is how you get people interested in the fight. As for Freddie saying he will slap Paulie, that’s not happening. He went a bit too far on that one.
I saw Amir way back when in the amateurs. I thought he was a great talent coming up. As is the game of boxing, not all great amateurs are destined to be great pros. The jury is still out on Amir. I think that question will be answered in the Paulie fight. Paulie has had his ups and downs. He is on a major upswing right now. A new training crew, a new gym, and there it is. Paulie definitely found his swag again.
I think that this will be a real chess match. I expect the fighter with the best jab tolead the charge in this bout. A lot of people think that Paulie won’t be able to hurt Khan. I think there will be a few surprised individuals when this decision is announced. My opinion is Paulie by Unanimous decision.”
Geo Elsasser is a long time contributor to Bragging Rights Corner who has been following the sport since the throwback days. Elsasser is always one to turn to when looking for a candid response and this is what was on his mind…
“With Malignaggi, I’ve had my fill of his bull**** … so, no surprise there. But it sounds like he’s learned a bit on how to promote a fight today.
One positive is a proven chin – has very decent technical skills when not hot dogging – but Tim Bradley at Jr. welter would likely chase Paulie out of the ring, up the aisle, and down B’way if they ever meet.
Would probably go with Malignaggi over Kahn since I have nothing to go on with Kahn – if it is not on PPV I will surely watch it since Abbot & Costello are no longer around today.”
David Avila is a Riverside native who serves as the West Coast Bureau Chief to The Sweet Science (www.TheSweetScience.com). Avila has covered the careers of fighters such as Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather in great detail, amongst others, and still seems to be on the fence regarding Khan vs. Malignaggi…
“It’s funny because Malignaggi is actually a really good guy. But you have to sell a fight. Truthfully Paul Malignaggi is one of my favorite fighters. He has never had a knockout punch yet he won a world title. He’s faced great opponents and still competes at a high level. He epitomizes heart and soul. If the fight happens I think it’s Amir Khan’s pure speed that will enable him to take a quick lead on points. Then Malignaggi will figure out what works and the real fight will commence. It’s a fight that if Khan is not careful he could get knocked out. His chin is still his weakness. He has a small window where he can get hit. Malignaggi has a very very good chin. I still can’t figure out who will win that fight.”
Gary Stark Jr. is a Jr. Featherweight contender based out of New York. Stark’s February 2007 battle with Mike Oliver was a pitched battle and is widely considered to be one of the year’s most controversial decisions. Stark has known Malignaggi closely for many years and gave his thoughts…
“Well trash talking is always good in sports. And it makes both fighters train hard and both fighters don’t want to lose so I like it. Khan is very good and a strong puncher with a lot of experience in the pros and through the amatuers and to get KO’d and always come back takes a lot of heart and determination. I respect him a lot for that. And what can I say about my brother Paulie? I think he got one of the best jabs in boxing and is very smart in that ring as well as very fast. I train with Paulie, in the same gym, and he’s a very hard worker. Mentally and physically he’ll be ready.”
Keith Terceira is an American boxing coach and trainer, matchmaker, writer, historian, and radio personality. His work has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports, and SI over the years. Terceira was also recently installed as the Ratings Chairman for the WBF. This is what he had to say…
“Unfortunately, I have never been a big fan of trash talk, though I understand the use of it to formulate interest and attract ticket buyers. Coming from an age where boxing went from a respectful and professional demeanor on TV thru Ali to the current age of constant squabble and sound bits, the trash talk has less and less value as it is overdone now. Trash talk is like the swine flu, it has its pockets of outbreak and currently it is in full pandemic at the Wild Card..
Amir Kahn pre Prescott was a fighter that was beginning to believe his own publicity instead of understanding that PR is a tool for the business of boxing and not gospel for the sport of pugilism. I think Kahn stopped reading his press releases and rededicated himself to the sport, once again creating headlines.
Paul Malignaggi will someday be remembered as a master in the ring and atext book artist for the sport. Had Malignaggi boxed in Europe, where the finesse of boxing is much more appreciated Malignaggi would be a superstar of epic proportions and a very wealthy young man.
My thoughts on this bout are mixed as it will depend on the judges preference as to what boxing is. If the judges favor a punchers skills then I feel that Kahn may pull off a decision or if it is as it should be and they understand the artistry of fistic battle then Malignaggi will prevail. Personally,I think that Paul Malignaggi will put on a clinic for the world to finally understand his grasp of the beauty of Boxing.”
