After the Lamont Peterson fight, no one knew what was next for Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs). No one expected that Paul Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) was going to get the call for this fight, not even the Magic Man himself.
“One day my phone rang, and Al [Haymon] said, ‘What would you think of fighting Garcia?’ I said, ‘Of course why not, I’m not going to miss on this opportunity.’ I definitely didn’t think anything was coming up so soon after my cut,” said Malignaggi.
Malignaggi was set to make his debut for Premier Boxing Champions on May 29 against Danny O’Connor, but had to pull out of the fight due to his eyelid being cut open during sparring when he caught an elbow. “I thought I was going to be out for a while. This fight is definitely a blessing,” said Malignaggi.
Malignaggi gets to fight at home in Brooklyn, NY at Barclays Center, which is also considered a second home to Garcia. Malignaggi knows he’s coming into the fight as the underdog, but that’s just the way he likes it.
“People can laugh at this fight all they want, I’m laughing too, because I know what I’m capable of. I don’t have to fight anymore, that’s obvious, but because I can work, and make time to train everyday just shows how committed I am to keep fighting,” said a determined Malignaggi.
Malignaggi has made a name for himself as a boxing commentator, working for various networks. His knowledge of the sweet science is extensive, even to a casual boxing fan. His schedule and career have launched way beyond the ring, and at the age of 34, Malignaggi has found his heart still belongs in the squared circle.
Round By Round Boxing caught up with Malignaggi after he traveled to Texas to cover PBC on CBS. Malignaggi gave RBR the breakdown of how he works and trains for fights.
“Even when I’m working, I’m thinking of training. I’ve been obsessive over this fight. My weight has been better than any fight camp before.”
Photo by Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
Malignaggi starts his day very early with a couple hours in the gym, then attends fighter meetings and gets everything ready for the television broadcast. After the fights end and the cameras turn off, Malignaggi stays disciplined and calls it a night.
For peak week, the hardest week of training camp, Malignaggi turns it up and trains twice a day. Even on Sunday, which is rest day, Malignaggi stays busy with road work.
“In all honesty, I’ve been in training camp for months. First to prep for the O’Connor fight, then my eye cut open. Shortly after that I started training for Garcia. I’m more than ready for Saturday night,” said Malignaggi.
While most boxing fans have been unimpressed with Garcia’s last few fights, few are giving Malignaggi an actual shot at winning. The trash talking is something Malignaggi has learned to phase out. Years of experience in the ring have given him a sense of confidence that some can take note of.
“On fight night, it doesn’t matter what anyone has to say. When you’re in the ring, none of that goes in there with you, unless you really want it to. None of the negative things people have to say don’t come in the ring, and unfortunately none of the compliments do either. Come fight time it’s all you and your opponent,” said Malignaggi.
Malignaggi has a plan set for Saturday night, which was devised by his team, and also what he sees as he watches Garcia from the side.
[otw_shortcode_quote border=”bordered” border_style=”bordered”]“What I see outside the ring is a little harder to execute once you’re in there. That’s why I trust my team 100 percent to get me ready. However, I can see things that most cannot, not a lot of people know Ashley Theophane beat Garcia years ago on ESPN. We’ve taken all these things that we see work against Garcia and I plan to bring my own style into it. That’s why they call me “The Magic Man,” you don’t know what surprises you’re going to get with me.”[/otw_shortcode_quote]
Saturday night will finally give Malignaggi the taste he’s been craving since his training began in April. Don’t miss what some could call “The Battle for Barclays” on PBC on ESPN.
