By Matthew Paras – Paulie Malignaggi (27-3, 5 KOs) got the well deserved unanimous decision over Juan Diaz (35-3, 17 KOs) with the scores 116-111 by all three judges. The first fight between these two fighters was a controversial decision, but there was no controversy this time as Paulie had much better defense this time out and out worked Diaz again.
The fight, which had an attendance of 4100, started out with Malignaggi controlled the first two rounds with his jab as Diaz had no answer for it. It kept Diaz in place, who strangely didn’t come forward as much as he has in previous fights. Malignaggi also showed brilliant defense by blocking Juan Diaz’s body shots and countering with his own uppercuts or overhand rights..
It wasn’t until round five, where all the three judges finally gave Diaz a round. Diaz looked like his former self by coming out strong and throwing a barrage of punches. Juan Diaz also landed two punches that were significant in the first fight, the left hook and the right hand.
Malignagg regrouped in round six by actually landing a great combination that actually hurt Diaz. Malignaggi continued to taunt to the crowd, which actually started a “PAULIE SUCKS” chant. However, Paulie was nowhere near terrible. Malignaggi painted an image across Diaz’s face with a versatile offense throughout the fight.
Sensing that the fight was slipping from him, Juan Diaz tried to get back in the fight in rounds eight and nine. Round eight Diaz erupted with combinations, something that had been missing in the previous rounds. Paulie seemed to be blocking most of them, but he was not active enough as all three judges gave Diaz round eight. Round nine was a closer round too as Diaz was more active again, but Paulie’s accuracy badly cut Juan Diaz. Malignaggi won round nine on two of the three judges scorecards.
The last few rounds showed how Paulie Malignagi has changed as a fighter from 2008 to 2009. It was a point he has strongly stressed and he showed it. The old Paulie did not nearly have as good as defense nor was he as active. Not only did he put Diaz down in round ten thanks to a combination that put Diaz’s glove on the canvas, Malignaggi’s defense was stunning. He would jump back from Diaz’s punches, use his elbows to block, and taunt the crowd while doing it.
It was pretty much a no hope situation for Diaz in round twelve because he does not have the knockout power to stop barely anyone, let alone Paulie Malignaggi. Still the Mexican Warrior showed extreme guts and then gave the crowd their money’s worth when he sucked Paulie Malignaggi into a brawl. Both fighters bravely stood toe to toe dishing out punishment up until the final bell.
When the final bell sounded, it was clear this time. Paulie went upon the ringpost and shouted to the crowd, “That was my night!” It certainly was. Paulie Malignaggi finally got the victory he deserved.