Malignaggi was born to Sicilian immigrant parents in Brooklyn's Bensonhurst neighborhood. His father abandoned him at the age of six, and returned to Sicily.
For reasons known only to himself, wants to be called "Magic Man." His freeweeling, creative style, coupled with toughness and a touch of humor, however, evokes generations of talented Brooklyn fighters -- a true "Dead End Kid."
He had an outstanding amateur career, capped by a national title --
2001 Everlast U.S. Championships March 13-17, 2001 Colorado Springs, Colo.
Malignaggi fought Miguel Cotto for Cotto's WBO light-welterweight title and lost a unanimous decision. Malignaggi was also down in the 2nd round of this fight and was cut, he also broke a bone in his cheek and was bleeding from his nose and mouth.
He was Ring Magazine's 'Comeback Fighter of the Year' in 2007.
Malignaggi dethrones Senchenko
On April 29, 2012, Paulie Malignaggi (31-4, 7 KOs) scored a ninth round TKO over previously unbeaten Vyacheslav Senchenko (32-1, 21 KOs) to win the WBA 147lb belt on Sunday night at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Nickname:
Magic Man
Paul Malignaggi
World Champion
Born
Nov 23, 1980
Age
32
Height
5′ 8½
Reach
70"
Stance
Orthodox
Style
boxer
Division
Welterweight
Years Active
2001 - PRESENT
Record
32
4
0
NC
0
KOs
7
KO%
19%
Origin
Brooklyn, New York, USAProfile
Strengths
Speed
Solid skills
Conditioning
Major World Titles
WBA Welterweight title
2012- Present
IBF light welterweight
2007-08
Significant Wins
TKO 9 Vyacheslav Senchenko - 2012
D 12 Lovemore Ndou - 2008
UD 12 Lovemore Ndou - 2007
Significant Loses
TKO 11 Amir Khan - 2010
TKO 11 Ricky Hatton - 2008
UD 12 Miguel Cotto- 2006