Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, WBA Super World and WBC World super lightweight champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs), from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, fought his first fight at welterweight against former WBA World welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi (33-7, 7 KOs), from Brooklyn, New York.
Many people had doubts about Garcia’s choice for his welterweight debut. The 34-year-old Malignaggi can box, and he’s a smart as a whip, but he cannot punch with authority, which is a Garcia specialty. Paulie had also lost two of his last three fights, to Adrien Broner and Shawn Porter in 2013 and 2104 respectively, which didn’t bode well for his chances of defeating Garcia.
Just as most had feared, Malignaggi took a beating. He has slowed down. His body no longer responds to the commands coming from his brain. He was also busting up something bad, which got uglier and bloodier as the rounds progressed.
The fight succeeded in confirming everyone’s worse fears about Malignaggi, yet did nothing to quiet the naysayers regarding Garcia.
Garcia may or may not be overrated. It depends on the criteria and standards one chooses to apply. But since defeating Lucas Matthysse in September 2013, his performances have been spotty. He won a disputed decision over Mauricio Herrera in March 2014. He obliterated no-hope Rod Salka in August that same year. And in his last fight prior to Saturday’s encounter, he lost another disputed decision to Lamont Peterson in April 2015.
Garcia’s win over Malignaggi proved more about Malignaggi than Garcia. Paulie said after the bout that he “probably” won’t fight again, which would be a wise after 14 years of exceeding expectations. He’s terrific behind the mike on Showtime. He’s no longer terrific in the ring.
After being battered from pillar to post, the referee Arthur Mercante Jr. stepped in to save Malignaggi, from Garcia and himself.
The time of the stoppage was 2:22 of round nine.
Danny Garcia vs. Paulie Malignaggi can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTAGr8icMZw
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
