By Sammy Rozenberg - The Magic was almost vanquished at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City. Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi (24-1, 5KOs) retained his IBF junior welterweight title with a tough unanimous decision over mandatory challenger Herman “Black Panther” Ngoudjo (16-2, 9KOs). The scores were 115-113, 116-113 and 117-111.
The fight was more difficult for Malignaggi than many insiders expected. Ngoudjo was a 6-1 underdog and how can you have him as anything other than an underdog when considering his two most recent performances. He was very lucky in being awarded the decision in the IBF eliminator against Randall Bailey. He won a split-decision, but most of the ringside observers saw Bailey as the clear winner. Prior to Bailey, Ngoudjo was unable to close the show on a very rusty Jose Luis Castillo. [details]
The fight was more difficult for Malignaggi than many insiders expected. Ngoudjo was a 6-1 underdog and how can you have him as anything other than an underdog when considering his two most recent performances. He was very lucky in being awarded the decision in the IBF eliminator against Randall Bailey. He won a split-decision, but most of the ringside observers saw Bailey as the clear winner. Prior to Bailey, Ngoudjo was unable to close the show on a very rusty Jose Luis Castillo. [details]
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