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Paul Malignaggi Interview
Ace Freeman
Meet Paul Malignaggi, the undefeated Jr. Welterweight contender that is preparing to give Miguel Cotto fits when they meet in the ring this June
Paulie celebrates after defeating Donald Camarena
April 5, 2006
FF: Your full name?
PM: Paul Malignaggi, But call me Paulie.
FF: What’s the Pronunciation of your last name?
PM: (Mall-a-na-zhee)
FF: Age?
PM: I’m 25 years old.
FF: Birthplace?
PM: Brooklyn, New York.
FF: Did you grow up in Brooklyn as well?
PM: I grew up in Brooklyn but I also lived in Italy for a few years, and I also lived in Jersey for a few years.
FF: How long did you live in Italy for?
PM: From a few months old until I was 6.
FF: What got you into boxing?
PM: I had some trouble as a teenager, got thrown out of high school. I was acting up a little bit, and sometimes as a teenager you can go down the wrong path. I was starting down that path and my uncle and grandfather took me to the gym and had me start boxing. It kind of saved me if you will and it also gave me something to do with my time that was creative.
FF: What age was it that you started boxing?
PM: I was 16 years old.
FF: Prior to that did you watch boxing growing up?
PM: Yea, I watched a lot of sports. I watched boxing and had a lot of respect for a lot of fighters. I really liked Arturo Gatti and of course Muhammad Ali back in the day. I was always a fan of boxing, but didn’t start doing it until I was 16.
FF: Growing up in Brooklyn there must have been quite a big buzz about Mike Tyson. Were you a big Tyson fan growing up in Brooklyn?
PM: There was a big buzz about Tyson everywhere, but with my family being Italian there was a lot of concern he was going to break Marciano’s record, so you know. There was always a lot of buzz about Tyson, but we watched a lot of fights because my uncle and grandfather were big boxing fans.
FF: Did anyone else in your family box?
PM: No, my father was a pro soccer player in Italy, and my uncle messed around with boxing a bit, but never fought. He spent a lot of time in the gym and that’s why he’s always able to give good advice.
FF: Did you play any other sports as a kid?
PM: No. My father left us when I was a kid because he was a pro soccer player and my mother always said all pro athletes will be like him, you know womanizers and stuff like that, and my mom didn’t want me to grow up that way. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to play many sports even though I was good at them.
FF: You said you started at 16, can you tell us a little bit about your amateur career?
PM: Ahh yea, I was 40-9. I had 49 fights and I won 40 of them. I won the US National title in 2001. I also won the New York golden gloves and a bunch of other tournaments. I was a member of the US national team and I ended my amateur career rated number one in the country at 132lbs.
FF: You’re currently undefeated at 21-0. Could you describe your style for those who haven’t seen you fight?
PM: I’ve got a very flashy style. I’m an intelligent fighter even though I clown around a lot but I’m always looking to set you up. I have a lot of physical gifts in terms of my speed. I’m a smart fighter also even though I haven’t gotten a lot of credit for it yet. I dress very flashy, have tassels and ridges on my trunks all kinds of crazy outfits and that’s what I’m all about, being flashy.
FF: You seem to have very good speed of hand, but what surprised me was your speed of foot in that you seem to be able to get inside and out very quickly. Has speed always been a big part of your game?
PM: Yea, speed has always been the key, and if you can get your shots off faster than your opponent then you can also avoid being hit. Speed is always the key.
FF: Your next fight is June 10th when you’ll fight for the WBO 140lb title against Miguel Cotto. Cotto has been on big Pay Per View cards and is obviously very well known. He’s also been in with some very seasoned competition. Do you feel ready to fight him this young into your career, and what do you need to do to be successful.
PM: Yea I’m ready for Cotto, and you know we’re the same age. I’ve come up a little slower due to the injuries I’ve had to my hands. I’d have to say I’ll be a stylistic nightmare for Miguel Cotto. Miguel Cotto is a good fighter and he’s done well in his career against some good fighters but he’s never fought a guy with my style and there’s a reason for that: they feel like they have to protect him from guys like me. They feel I’m a safe fight right now because I’ve been hurt and coming off injuries. It’s time for him to step up and face a guy with my style and they think it’s low risk because I’m coming off injuries. Obviously, they’re guessing wrong because I’m healthy and at 100%.
FF: He’s a very strong fighter and he’s excellent at brawling and fighting, but you are a guy who’s footwork and speed could be poised to present him problems…
PM: Exactly, and it goes back to what I just said. My style is a nightmare for him and he’s going to find that whatever he wants to do he’s not going to pull it off. That’s the problem he’s going to be faced with and he’s going to be forced to make some adjustments. He’s not a fighter that adjusts very well, he always seems to fight his way no matter who his opponent is. He’s always fighting the same and it’s his opponent that determines whether he looks good or not. There are going to be some questions asked of Miguel Cotto on June 10th, and we’ll see.
FF: Paulie you’ve gone 10 rounds on three occasions, but you’ve never been a full 12. Is that a problem for you and are you prepared to fight at a fast pace for 12 full rounds?
PM: Yea, that’s not a problem. Not a problem at all. Any time I’ve gone 10 rounds it’s been comfortably, and I’m always in great shape and ready to fight. The distance is not a problem for me.
FF: Are you in camp yet and what kind of sparring and road work are you doing?
PM: I’m not doing any sparring yet, I’m just working on my physical conditioning. I’m in a physical conditioning program here in Massachusetts. A lot of professional athletes come here from various sports and I’m in the program and it’s going very well.
FF: Who is your trainer? Can you speak a bit about him and tell us what he brings to the table?
PM: Billy Giles is my head trainer. He’s a flashy trainer and had Hector Camacho back in the 80’s. He’s worth working with because he’s experienced with guys like Camacho and that suits me very well.
FF: Can you give us your thoughts on the Junior Welterweight division? A few years ago it was considered the hottest division in boxing and now you’ve got guys like Mayweather, Hatton, and Tszyu possibly out of the division. What’s your take on where it’s at now and where it will go from here?
PM: I see myself at 140 for a while yet, and I think it’s exciting because when Paul Malignaggi gets that title, the division will be exciting again. There’s some big names that may have left but Paul Malignaggi is going to bring some excitement back to the Junior Welterweight division.
FF: As a young fighter what do you think about the current state of boxing?
PM: I think it’s got it’s highs and lows. Boxing has always got certain problems but I think they can be worked through. I think boxing will always be around because people are always going to want to see two guys beating each other up. I think it’s always going to be around but I also think it can be made more pleasant and we can always attract more people.
FF: When you’re not in camp are you a big fan of the sport?
PM: Yea, I always watch a lot of fights. I go to fights live and I’m always involved. And I’d like to be involved even when I’m done boxing.
FF: Who do you like watching?
PM: I love Arturo Gatti, he’s one of my favorites. I love watching Floyd Mayweather and loved watching Roy Jones when he was in his prime. I’d really have to say Mayweather is a guy I really respect these days because not only is he the most gifted he’s also such a smart fighter.
FF: Is there anything else you want people to know about Paul Malignaggi?
PM: Paul Malignaggi’s going to win a world title on June 10th. Miguel Cotto has done his time as Champion and that time is up. June 10th will be the end of his reign. I’m going to do him a favor and move him up to 147 because I hear he has trouble making weight. Once I take his title away he’ll have no reason to be at this weight.
FF: Paulie, thanks for doing this.
PM: No problem.
Ace Freeman
Meet Paul Malignaggi, the undefeated Jr. Welterweight contender that is preparing to give Miguel Cotto fits when they meet in the ring this June
Paulie celebrates after defeating Donald Camarena
April 5, 2006
FF: Your full name?
PM: Paul Malignaggi, But call me Paulie.
FF: What’s the Pronunciation of your last name?
PM: (Mall-a-na-zhee)
FF: Age?
PM: I’m 25 years old.
FF: Birthplace?
PM: Brooklyn, New York.
FF: Did you grow up in Brooklyn as well?
PM: I grew up in Brooklyn but I also lived in Italy for a few years, and I also lived in Jersey for a few years.
FF: How long did you live in Italy for?
PM: From a few months old until I was 6.
FF: What got you into boxing?
PM: I had some trouble as a teenager, got thrown out of high school. I was acting up a little bit, and sometimes as a teenager you can go down the wrong path. I was starting down that path and my uncle and grandfather took me to the gym and had me start boxing. It kind of saved me if you will and it also gave me something to do with my time that was creative.
FF: What age was it that you started boxing?
PM: I was 16 years old.
FF: Prior to that did you watch boxing growing up?
PM: Yea, I watched a lot of sports. I watched boxing and had a lot of respect for a lot of fighters. I really liked Arturo Gatti and of course Muhammad Ali back in the day. I was always a fan of boxing, but didn’t start doing it until I was 16.
FF: Growing up in Brooklyn there must have been quite a big buzz about Mike Tyson. Were you a big Tyson fan growing up in Brooklyn?
PM: There was a big buzz about Tyson everywhere, but with my family being Italian there was a lot of concern he was going to break Marciano’s record, so you know. There was always a lot of buzz about Tyson, but we watched a lot of fights because my uncle and grandfather were big boxing fans.
FF: Did anyone else in your family box?
PM: No, my father was a pro soccer player in Italy, and my uncle messed around with boxing a bit, but never fought. He spent a lot of time in the gym and that’s why he’s always able to give good advice.
FF: Did you play any other sports as a kid?
PM: No. My father left us when I was a kid because he was a pro soccer player and my mother always said all pro athletes will be like him, you know womanizers and stuff like that, and my mom didn’t want me to grow up that way. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to play many sports even though I was good at them.
FF: You said you started at 16, can you tell us a little bit about your amateur career?
PM: Ahh yea, I was 40-9. I had 49 fights and I won 40 of them. I won the US National title in 2001. I also won the New York golden gloves and a bunch of other tournaments. I was a member of the US national team and I ended my amateur career rated number one in the country at 132lbs.
FF: You’re currently undefeated at 21-0. Could you describe your style for those who haven’t seen you fight?
PM: I’ve got a very flashy style. I’m an intelligent fighter even though I clown around a lot but I’m always looking to set you up. I have a lot of physical gifts in terms of my speed. I’m a smart fighter also even though I haven’t gotten a lot of credit for it yet. I dress very flashy, have tassels and ridges on my trunks all kinds of crazy outfits and that’s what I’m all about, being flashy.
FF: You seem to have very good speed of hand, but what surprised me was your speed of foot in that you seem to be able to get inside and out very quickly. Has speed always been a big part of your game?
PM: Yea, speed has always been the key, and if you can get your shots off faster than your opponent then you can also avoid being hit. Speed is always the key.
FF: Your next fight is June 10th when you’ll fight for the WBO 140lb title against Miguel Cotto. Cotto has been on big Pay Per View cards and is obviously very well known. He’s also been in with some very seasoned competition. Do you feel ready to fight him this young into your career, and what do you need to do to be successful.
PM: Yea I’m ready for Cotto, and you know we’re the same age. I’ve come up a little slower due to the injuries I’ve had to my hands. I’d have to say I’ll be a stylistic nightmare for Miguel Cotto. Miguel Cotto is a good fighter and he’s done well in his career against some good fighters but he’s never fought a guy with my style and there’s a reason for that: they feel like they have to protect him from guys like me. They feel I’m a safe fight right now because I’ve been hurt and coming off injuries. It’s time for him to step up and face a guy with my style and they think it’s low risk because I’m coming off injuries. Obviously, they’re guessing wrong because I’m healthy and at 100%.
FF: He’s a very strong fighter and he’s excellent at brawling and fighting, but you are a guy who’s footwork and speed could be poised to present him problems…
PM: Exactly, and it goes back to what I just said. My style is a nightmare for him and he’s going to find that whatever he wants to do he’s not going to pull it off. That’s the problem he’s going to be faced with and he’s going to be forced to make some adjustments. He’s not a fighter that adjusts very well, he always seems to fight his way no matter who his opponent is. He’s always fighting the same and it’s his opponent that determines whether he looks good or not. There are going to be some questions asked of Miguel Cotto on June 10th, and we’ll see.
FF: Paulie you’ve gone 10 rounds on three occasions, but you’ve never been a full 12. Is that a problem for you and are you prepared to fight at a fast pace for 12 full rounds?
PM: Yea, that’s not a problem. Not a problem at all. Any time I’ve gone 10 rounds it’s been comfortably, and I’m always in great shape and ready to fight. The distance is not a problem for me.
FF: Are you in camp yet and what kind of sparring and road work are you doing?
PM: I’m not doing any sparring yet, I’m just working on my physical conditioning. I’m in a physical conditioning program here in Massachusetts. A lot of professional athletes come here from various sports and I’m in the program and it’s going very well.
FF: Who is your trainer? Can you speak a bit about him and tell us what he brings to the table?
PM: Billy Giles is my head trainer. He’s a flashy trainer and had Hector Camacho back in the 80’s. He’s worth working with because he’s experienced with guys like Camacho and that suits me very well.
FF: Can you give us your thoughts on the Junior Welterweight division? A few years ago it was considered the hottest division in boxing and now you’ve got guys like Mayweather, Hatton, and Tszyu possibly out of the division. What’s your take on where it’s at now and where it will go from here?
PM: I see myself at 140 for a while yet, and I think it’s exciting because when Paul Malignaggi gets that title, the division will be exciting again. There’s some big names that may have left but Paul Malignaggi is going to bring some excitement back to the Junior Welterweight division.
FF: As a young fighter what do you think about the current state of boxing?
PM: I think it’s got it’s highs and lows. Boxing has always got certain problems but I think they can be worked through. I think boxing will always be around because people are always going to want to see two guys beating each other up. I think it’s always going to be around but I also think it can be made more pleasant and we can always attract more people.
FF: When you’re not in camp are you a big fan of the sport?
PM: Yea, I always watch a lot of fights. I go to fights live and I’m always involved. And I’d like to be involved even when I’m done boxing.
FF: Who do you like watching?
PM: I love Arturo Gatti, he’s one of my favorites. I love watching Floyd Mayweather and loved watching Roy Jones when he was in his prime. I’d really have to say Mayweather is a guy I really respect these days because not only is he the most gifted he’s also such a smart fighter.
FF: Is there anything else you want people to know about Paul Malignaggi?
PM: Paul Malignaggi’s going to win a world title on June 10th. Miguel Cotto has done his time as Champion and that time is up. June 10th will be the end of his reign. I’m going to do him a favor and move him up to 147 because I hear he has trouble making weight. Once I take his title away he’ll have no reason to be at this weight.
FF: Paulie, thanks for doing this.
PM: No problem.
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