The Malignaggi-Ngoudjo Pre-Fight Report Card

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

By Cliff Rold - With anticipation for the first major cable show of 2008, the boxing world gets ready for the return of top Jr. Welterweight contender and reigning IBF titlist Paulie Malignaggi (23-1, 5 KO, Ring Magazine #2) of Brooklyn, New York. After a gutsy loss in 2006 to then-WBO 140 lb. titlist Miguel Cotto, Malignaggi regrouped and posted career best wins against Lightweight Edner Cherry and Lovemore N’Dou (for the IBF title) in 2007.

Saturday night on Showtime Championship Boxing, live from the Atlantic City Bally’s Hotel and Casino at 9 EST/PST, he’ll have more than a fighter in front of him. There is also a certain pale-skinned body puncher who will be looking for his next big payday after the lone loss of his career against Floyd Mayweather. That man is World Jr. Welterweight champion Ricky Hatton (43-1, 31 KO). The better and more entertaining Malignaggi, 27, can be, the better his chances will be at a fight that could do big business in the United Kingdom or Paulie’s native New York. [details]

[OptimusWolf]

Interesting analysis Cliff. I'm not sure it will be that close though - Ngoudjo doesn't have great power and he's going to be outboxed most rounds while coming forward plenty. I saw his fights against Castillo (he boxed ok, could have easily won) and against Bailey (not convincing)

I'm not sure why you didn't include stamina as well. This is where I think herman may have a chance. If he can keep throwing 80ish punches/round and land to the body he could eke out a decision on workrate. But Paulie has too much heart to let even that happen methinks.

Malignaggi by clear UD. Enough to get Hatton interested.....I'm not sure.