VERO BEACH (January 25, 2007) – World light welterweight contender Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi opened training camp three weeks ago in Vero Beach, Florida in preparation for his ring return February 17 against Edner Cherry in the 10-round main event on HBO live from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
Malignaggi (21-1, 5 KOs) hasn’t fought since June 10, when he lost a courageous 12-round decision to the then WBO light welterweight champion Miquel Cotto. Paulie suffered a fractured cheekbone and cut over his eye.
Cherry (21-4-2, 10 KOs) is the reigning NABF and WBC CABOFE lightweight champion. Malignaggi is training in Vero Beach with his new trainer, Buddy McGirt, and accompanied by his manager, Sal LoNano, and strength & conditioning coach, Frankie LoNano.
The outspoken Brooklyn fighter reported in from Vero Beach:
Training in Vero Beach
“There is a big difference from New York and it takes some time to get used to. It’s a lot quieter and calmer here. The weather is nice. Everything has been going great. I’m away from any distractions. Sometimes it gets a little boring and repetitive because all we do is train. But we’re here for important stuff and it’s been an ideal training camp. It’s the same regiment. I run on the beach and do all the things need in training. It’s better training here to focus. I won’t go back to New York until February 14.”
Buddy McGirt
“I’ve definitely improved a lot working with Buddy. We’ve worked on a lot of different things and I’ve become a more complete fighter. People will see a lot of it in this fight but even more in time. We’re fine tuning things like balance, angles and timing. I had always relied on my natural ability. My style is what I am but we’re working on sitting down on my punches and balance, offense and defense.”
Edner Cherry
“He seems to like to box. He’s a solid fighter but he hasn’t fought anybody on Paulie Malignaggi’s level. He’s going to be fighting on a high world-class level and he’s in for a rude awakening. When the bell rings he’s going to be into a totally different world, like I was when I went into the Cotto fight. He’s going to be fighting a very hungry fighter. I still have an aftertaste from my last fight. I didn’t like losing and I’m preparing myself 100-percent never to lose again.”
Fighting on HBO
“Every fighter from the time he’s an amateur thinks about fighting on HBO because that means you’re well on your way to making it. There’s an extra charge fighting on HBO. They chose this fight and I plan to put on a great show so HBO will keep putting me on and we can develop a good relationship.”
Ricky Hatton vs. Diego Corrales
“I think it’s going to be a great fight. Styles make fights and those two fighters will engage. Corrales didn’t look good in his last fight. Hatton’s a great fighter but he is flawed. It takes a certain fighter to expose those flaws like Luis Collazo did. Ricky Hatton is a phenomenal fighter who is great for the sport. I hope I get a shot at him. Right now, though, I’m concentrating on Cherry. After a few wins maybe we can fight.”
The Hands
“They’re great. People are getting used to my hands being good after my last couple of fights. Any fighter who has a hand problem should see Dr. Steven Margeles. He pretty much saved my career. He certainly resurrected it and has given me a chance to make a big name in boxing.”