Paulie Malignaggi, one of the most likeable fighters on the circuit, has hung up his gloves at the age of 36 after losing out to a crunching body shot from UK welterweight Sam Eggington.
The sicking blow signalled the end of a 44-fight career which can be looked back on with some pride by an Italian-American who made a successful transition across the Atlantic despite losing three times to British boxers.
On Monday evening, Malignaggi posted a gracious message as ‘The Magic Man’ now focuses on his new job as an analyst and co-commentator on both home and UK shores.
“Nineteen years ago today (March 6), I entered the ring for the first time as an amateur. That makes this as good a time as any to announce my retirement from competition,” said Malignaggi.
“My life is in a place 19 years later that I never dreamed it could be in, and I have boxing to thank for that.
“I’m looking forward to a long, fruitful career now behind the mic, staying around the sport I love so much and the sport that changed my life for the better.”
Career highs for Malignaggi include a breakout performance in defeat against Miguel Cotto in 2006, a world super-lightweight title success against Lovemore Ndou in 2007 and a second weight triumph in Ukraine against Vyacheslav Senchenko five years later.
