Let’s be honest, with Danny Garcia bulking up to 147 and feeling in the “best shape” of his career, this was a very steep challenge for Paulie Malignaggi, who was came into the ring Saturday to look for one last opportunity to go out on top.
Sixteen months away from boxing–away from the training and discipline took a very visible toll on the Brooklyn native, even in front of his hometown crowd. The ‘Magic Man’ managed to hold his own very early in the bout, returning jabs to match Garcia’s and he even gave his best punch late in the fight which should’ve rattled Garcia, but came up short with his energy totally gone.
The fight had to be stopped at the 2:22 mark in the 9th round after Garcia pinned Maliganaggi to the ropes, with Paulie cut and bleeding. Garcia extended his record to 31-0 with 18 KOs/ Malignaggi–who heavily mentioned retirement, will most likely end his career now 33-7.
Throughout the week Garcia showed his lack of regard for Malignaggi, by saying he’s not in his thoughts–instead Garcia spent the week focused on the fight after this…Shawn Porter?
During the post match presser, when asked about candidates for his next fight Shawn Porter’s name was thrown out…to which he replied…
Danny Garcia on Shawn Porter “Let’s do it”
— Ashley Nicole (@geeksandcleats) August 2, 2015
Garcia’s seemingly prolonged, albeit dominant performance over the likes of a past prime Malignaggi won’t win him too many bragging rights. The more Garcia continues his undefeated steak, the more criticized he is for the opponents put before him, a bout against the likes of a Porter or even a Broner could really help win him the respect that his record deserves.