By Mark Vester
Last Saturday in New York's Madison Square Garden may have been the last ring appearance for former junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi. For eleven tough rounds, he took a lot of punishment from WBA champion Amir Khan. Referee Steve Smoger stopped the fight after Khan landed a hard combination during the eleventh.
Malignaggi spoke out for the first time on his twitter. He didn't sound like a fighter who was planning to fight again, at least in the immediate future. Malignaggi's promoter Lou DiBella told BoxingScene.com last week that his fighter will not stick around to become an opponent for other fighters coming up in the ranks.
"Got a few things to say. I want to personally thank everyone who watched the fight on HBO or came to the fight, all my fans and all Khan fans. You guys made [it] all worth it. It was a great atmosphere to be in New York, and to see it packed. And everyone cheering for me and Khan, it was a great feeling. I appreciate everyone's love and support. It truly amazes me, that everyone stands behind me, when things are up or when things are down. [That's] what you call support! I love all my fans...I wouldn't be able to make it this far without my fans and the support you guys show me on twitter, myspace, facebook, and in person. I love it, and I wouldn't change it for the world," Malignaggi said.
"I know me and Amir Khan had alot of words before the fight, but this is BOXING people. If you don't like what we have to say to each other than either don't watch boxing or turn off your computer. This is boxing, your going to see TWO fighters talk sh*t. I didn't invent talking sh*t, it's been done in the past, and it will be done after I move on from boxing. It will continue. But once the BELL RINGS, that sh*t talking goes out the window, and when the fight is over...THE GRUDGE IS OVER!
"I have tons of respect for Amir Khan, and I want to wish him the best of luck. He is a true champ and a great fighter. I expect big things to happen with his career, and I will be looking forward to see him in the future. He will make this sport proud! I wanted to win on Saturday, I trained hard. I busted my ass everyday in the gym. I was feeling great, but the better man won on Saturday. That's the way LIFE is, sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. I tip my hat off to Amir Khan. He showed heart. You never know which way the cookie is going to crumble, especially in this sport of boxing. My career was a rollercoaster ride, but I enjoyed every second of this ride. It was great!! If I had the chance to do it all again, I would. I love this sport, and I love my fans."
"I will be taking time off to spend with my friends and family. I don't know where my life goes from here. But I will figure it out. I honestly don't know what I will do now. I have a lot of thinking to do. I will take a long vacation and re-evaluate life. I'm just happy and blessed that my life turned out the way it did. I will see where the light at the end of the tunnel takes me. But for now, I am going to enjoy what God truly blessed me with, and that's the love from my friends and family. God bless everyone."
