Paulie Malignaggi’s long-awaited return to the ring just got a whole lot more interesting.
The former world-champion boxer from Bensonhurst was supposed to be back in the squared circle on May 29 to face Boston brawler Danny O’Connor at Barclays Center. But a deep cut above the eye he got two weeks before the bout forced him to pull out. It would have been the 34-year-old Malignaggi’s first fight in 13 months.
Instead, he will have to face a much stiffer test — against a more proven opponent, in the undefeated Danny Garcia — when the two square off at Barclays on Aug. 1. The bout will headline the live Premier Boxing Champions card on ESPN.
Malignaggi can’t wait to get back in front of the Brooklyn fans against such a formidable challenge.
“Although I have a ton of respect for Danny and his father Angel — both for what they’ve accomplished in the ring as well as the bond they share as father and son — I am a competitor through and through, and in this sport it’s all about testing yourself against the elite,” Malignaggi said. “So I look forward to defending my home turf of Brooklyn and matching my skills against Danny’s at Barclays Center on Aug. 1.”
O’Connor would have been new to the big stage that Malignaggi has thrived on during his career. Maglignaggi, who is also a renowned boxing commentator, was the clear favorite in that bout despite the layoff. Garcia, on the other hand, has fought four times at Barclays Center. He is a former world champion at super lightweight and one of the rising stars in the sport.
The one advantage Malignaggi may have is that the 27-year-old Garcia is making his debut at welterweight (147 pounds). Garcia forfeited his previous title to take this fight and try to begin his assent up his new division, and said he feels confident going into the bout.
“I’m looking forward to getting in the ring again, in my fifth appearance at Barclays Center, and putting on a great show for the East Coast fans in attendance, and the fans watching all over the world,” Garcia said. “By the end of the night, I will still be the undefeated Danny ‘Swift’ Garcia.”
The undercard has yet to be announced, but this fight sells itself: the boisterous hometown hero Malignaggi versus the talented Garcia and his talkative father Angel. The press conference alone will be must-watch.
Remember that the last time Malignaggi attempted to beat an undefeated fighter in his first welterweight fight things didn’t turn out well. He lost a 12-round split decision to Adrian Broner back in June of 2013. This bout may be a tougher one.
“Danny Garcia has laid waste to the junior welterweight division, and instead of easing his way into the welterweight division, he’s fighting a former world champion in Paulie Malignaggi,” said Brian Kweder, senior director of programming and acquisitions at ESPN.
Brooklyn fans will have to wait an extra three months to see Malignaggi back in the ring, but it will be worth the wait, because he is back on a bigger stage, with a bigger fight, and more dangerous opponent.
