Diaz-Malignaggi II – Time for revenge

By Peter Wells: This is Paulie Malignaggi’s big chance to erase the first controversial defeat to Juan Diaz, and maybe his last big shot in boxing. Just this August the two fought in a bout most expected Diaz to win quite comfortably, but it was anything but comfortable. And in a very controversial decision Diaz took it even getting a 118-110 in his favour, which was outrageous. But it revealed that Houston does have a big problem, but luckily they are now fighting in Chicago. Obviously we wouldn’t have been in this situation if the bout had have been anywhere else in the world, but here you have it, time for another- this time more personal- war.

Malignaggi did show a lot of skill in their first meeting, but the rounds were pretty close and no doubt could have gone either way, but I’m sure a split decision or majority decision would have been much more reasonable, but you can’t overrule a decision like that. Diaz would have learned to be more careful next time and make sure he isn’t caught on the end of the Malignaggi jab too often again.

Paulie will have learned from his mistakes as well and knows now he can’t blow it, three defeats on the trot doesn’t look that impressive, although he has lost to top quality fighters, and was out muscled by the brawler, Ricky Hatton.

Diaz can bang, and is also a clever boxer too he keeps his hands up high when going forward, and momentarily shook Juan Manuel Marquez, before being stopped in round 9. Both of his defeats have been to top class opponents as well and blood did contribute to his first defeat to Nate Campbell, where he lost a close fought Split decision, but overall you could say that Campbell was just the better fighter. He was also cut against Marquez, but a big Marquez uppercut in round 8 made sure we wasn’t going to last the distance, and finished the job in round 9.

Both have learned a lot and have both been exposed many times, Paulie was also beaten by banger Miguel Cotto after he broke his hand, but fought through the pain in a hopeless attempt to beat Cotto. This fight is different to the first as both fighters know what to expect, and will be wary of not making any errors.

Paulie has a great chin; neither Cotto nor Hatton could deck him, and won’t be going down here. Juan Diaz has shown the most weakness in his two defeats.

I expect Juan to push forward early on, snap the head back of Paulie, but he will be wary to not use to much energy early on. Malignaggi will start to look better in the second half of the fight in a tight and close second period, but as long as Diaz can keep himself going, he should take a much clearer decision, which won’t be controversial. I honestly would like Paulie to win so we’ll have a rubber match next year, and there is every chance that could happen.

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