All Photos By: Raquel Gonzalez Photography
Copyright: Brickcityboxing & Raquel Gonzalez Photography
By: Danny Serratelli

Danny Serratelli, Uncle Manny, Anthony Catanzo, Paulie and Umberto Malignaggi, Samantha, Mike Nicosia

Despite the fact that The New Jersey Ironmen (10-6) were upset by La Raza de Monterrey, and lost 17-12 loss (6-10), the fans at the Prudential Arena were treated to an exciting game and definately got their money’s worth. The Brick City fans welcomed special guest and honorary captain IBF Junior Welterweight Champion, Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi to Newark.

Malignaggi gladly made the trip over to the Brick City with promoter Lou DiBella and his team from Brooklyn to serve as honary captain and to kick out the ceremonial first kick to Ironmen goalkeeper, another local guy who is almost legendary, Kearny New Jersey’s Tony Meola. Malignaggi, a huge soccer enthusiast, recently spent a week in Italy training with A.C. Milan in preparation for his most recent title defense in which he won an exciting unanimous decision over Herman Ngoudjo.

Paulie and Promoter Lou DiBella

The Ironmen and their staff were very hospitable to both Team Malignaggi and the BrickcityBoxing team. Ironmen general manager Tony Novo said. “We are very excited about the opportunity to have Paulie come serve as our honorary captain this Friday,” “Anytime you can have a world champion come out and get a game started, you know it will be a special evening.”

Fans have been very impressed with the Ironmen, who have played very well to date. First timers are very surprised at how fast, physical and exciting indoor soccer is when they see it live in “The Rock”, which serves as a perfect venue. The fans are also treated to a stunning dance team as well as very friendly and accessable players.

Newark’s new Prudential Arena, “The Rock” is a state of the art facility. The arena is a great venue for indoor soccer, hockey, concerts and recently hosted UFC 78