The former WBA World Champion Paul “Magic Man” Malignaggi announced his retirement from boxing after 19 years in the sport. He leaves with a professional record of 36-8; 7 KOs.
Malignaggi announced the news after his last fight in London, England, where he lost by KO on the 8th round against Sam Eggington.
The great Paulie faced great boxers like Miguel Cotto, Juan Diaz, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.
Malignaggi won the WBA Welterweight title against Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012, defended it from mexican Pablo Cesar Cano and lost the belt against Adrien Broner in 2013.
He was born in New York but also defended his Italian blood in the ring. He is currently working as an analyst at Showtime and Sky sports.
It was not easy for him to say goodbye, but he was full of courage, and shared these words through social media for fans and friends:
“Nineteen years ago, I entered the ring for the first time as an amateur. That makes this a good time for me to officially announce my retirement from any competition. My life is in a place 19 years later, that I never dreamed it could be in. And I have to thank boxing for that”.
“I gave absolutely everything, I had many accomplishments for almost 2 decades and I will never forget the many, many incredible memories that were created during that time. I’m looking forward to a long, fruitful career now behind the mic, close to the sport I love so much and the sport that changed my life for the better”.
“Many thanks to the sport of boxing and to everyone who supported me along the way on this incredible journey. I’m forever grateful”, concluded Paulie.
