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By Jake Donovan - Former junior welterweight titlist Paulie Malignaggi spent all week talking of how the deck was stacked against him heading into Saturday’s fight with Juan Diaz at the Toyota Center in Diaz’ hometown of Houston, Texas.
His worst fears were confirmed by night’s end, when a nip-and-tuck affair in the eyes of many somehow turned into a lopsided decision for Diaz in the HBO-televised main event.
Scores were 115-113, 116-112 and an absurd 118-110 in a bout that was fought at a contracted catchweight limit of 138 ½ lb.
Both fighters fought according to the script in the opening round, with Diaz looking for a war while Malignaggi used speed and movement to neutralize the attack. The plan worked greatly in the Brooklynite’s favor, throwing more than 100 punches in the round and tripling Diaz’ number of connects.
It wasn’t without its setbacks, however; an errant right hand by Diaz after the bell (which predictably went undetected by referee Laurence Cole) opened a cut over Malignaggi’s left eye. The blood motivated the hometown fighter, who came out roaring in the second, much to the delight of the crowd. [details]
His worst fears were confirmed by night’s end, when a nip-and-tuck affair in the eyes of many somehow turned into a lopsided decision for Diaz in the HBO-televised main event.
Scores were 115-113, 116-112 and an absurd 118-110 in a bout that was fought at a contracted catchweight limit of 138 ½ lb.
Both fighters fought according to the script in the opening round, with Diaz looking for a war while Malignaggi used speed and movement to neutralize the attack. The plan worked greatly in the Brooklynite’s favor, throwing more than 100 punches in the round and tripling Diaz’ number of connects.
It wasn’t without its setbacks, however; an errant right hand by Diaz after the bell (which predictably went undetected by referee Laurence Cole) opened a cut over Malignaggi’s left eye. The blood motivated the hometown fighter, who came out roaring in the second, much to the delight of the crowd. [details]
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