Former unified world lightweight champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz has agreed to a rematch with past IBF junior welterweight titlist Paulie “the Magic Man” Malignaggi December 12 at the UIC Pavilion on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
In their bloody initial encounter in August, Malignaggi (26-3, 5KOs) lost a very controversial decision to Diaz (35-2, 17 KOs) in the “Baby Bull’s hometown of Houston.
“Boxing is full of shit,” Malignaggi, 28, said to Max Kellerman during the post-fight interview.
Malignaggi, a native of Brooklyn who began boxing at the age of 16 in that borough of New York City’s legendary Gleason's Gym, also stated that he is disgusted with the fight game and the only reason that he will continue to box is to earn an income.
“The public demanded this rematch and I am looking forward to fighting Diaz for the second time,” said Malignaggi, who is known to employ the “Hitman” stance that was utilized by the great Thomas Hearns. “This time I am going to get the win on my record.”
Diaz, 26, a Mexican-American who made his professional boxing debut at the tender age of 16, is confident that he will again emerge victorious in their upcoming bout.
“I enjoyed beating Malignaggi the first time and I am more than willing to do it again,” said Diaz. “This time though, I’m looking for the knockout so I don’t have to hear his mouth anymore.”
Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya claimed that Diaz indeed won the first matchup and he is convinced that his fighter will defeat Malignaggi once more in a month.
“Diaz and Malignaggi are two talented young fighters at the top of their games,” said De La Hoya. “There is no doubt that Juan won the first fight and he will beat Paulie again.”
One should obviously be skeptical of De La Hoya’s biased prediction.
Malignaggi likely was robbed of a victory versus Diaz in the summer and he will not be swindled this time fighting in the neutral grounds of the “Windy City.”
Expect Malignaggi to outclass Diaz in their rematch and win a decisive unanimous decision.
Malignaggi is a superior pugilist than the talented Diaz is and “the Magic Man” will make the “Baby Bull” appear like an infant in the ring when their impending second battle finally commences.
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