By Victor Salazar

Brooklyn, New York - Not many are giving ‘The Magic Man’ Paulie Malignaggi (33-6, 7KO’s) a chance to upset Danny Garcia this weekend as Garcia makes his official debut at the 147 lb. welterweight limit. Flocked by the media at the open workouts to promote the fight, Malignaggi defended his style of boxing with the reporters on hand.

“To be a two time world champion, you need more than just a jab and movement,” said Malignaggi. “I think you need boxing IQ and decision making when it’s time to be in and out of the pocket. You don’t win world championships with just jab and movement. To have had the success that I had, there’s more to that than what I bring.”

Malignaggi has been off for close to 17 months since his defeat last April to Shawn Porter. He was slated to fight Danny O’ Connor this past May but suffered a cut in camp. The layoff was beneficial to the Brooklyn fighter.

“The layoff was good because I had a camp before this camp,’ stated Malignaggi. “I kind of went through all the preparations and the fight fell through because I got cut. I was already pretty sharp starting this camp. I was able to recover and be sharp starting out this camp.”

Win or lose after Saturday, Malignaggi feels his place in boxing should be respected even though he doesn’t expect it to be.

“My longevity has to be respected and the fact that my losses have come to some of the best and if you put those guys record together, it’s incredible. Top that with my defining wins, it’s got to be respected. Even so I still don’t think I’d get the respect I deserve. Being respected by the public and the media is not my goal."