On December 7th, 2013, Brooklyn sons Zab Judah and Paulie Malignaggi fought at the Barclays Center, New York. The pair earned the headline spot following Judah’s spirited performance against Danny Garcia and Malignaggi’s equally competitive WBA title defense against Adrien Broner.
What played out was less of the advertised Battle of Brooklyn, however, and more of a one-sided shut out by Malignaggi. Despite a flash knockdown in the 4th, courtesy of a Judah short-right and a set of tangled legs, the 33-year-old overwhelmed his foe throughout.
The Unanimous Decision was reached through scores of 116-111, 117-110, 117-110. Malignaggi now improves to 33 wins, 5 losses, while Judah’s record reduces to 42 wins, 9 losses.
What made Malignaggi the better fighter was simply his greater skill set and approach. His fundamentals, such as the jab and footwork, worked to high effect this evening. But it was notably his ability to neutralize Judah’s power by pushing him back for large portions of the fight – a brave move by someone known as a light hitter. It’s evident Malignaggi had done his homework prior, and had planned on exposing Judah’s weaknesses.
Though Judah was clearly beaten by the better man, it’s a wonder why he wasn’t able to assert himself a little more. Hardly any game plan or rhythm was established during the fight, which ended up making Judah often look uncomfortable as he played to the sound of Malignaggi’s drum. Given his power, an asset often overlooked, many would have expected Judah to pull the trigger more frequently than he did. (Malignaggi vs Judah Highlights)
The always game Malignaggi will have certainly caught the public’s eye with this impressive win. What makes him an exceptional fighter is the ability to remain both relevant and present as a mainstream fighter despite career setbacks. This is due to a concrete self-belief system, charisma, and a well-oiled 12 round tank – probably a roster of zany haircuts, too. We can expect to see him in another big arena soon, probably challenging for another piece of the Welterweight crown.
As for Judah, now at 36, the man is no slouch and always keeps in tip-top shape. However, given that night’s performance he may now be heading more towards Welterweight Gatekeeper than Title Contender.
The big-name-studded card also featured one of the night’s biggest upsets between Shawn Porter and Devon Alexander. The young Porter ripped away the champion’s IBF Welterweight title by out-muscling, working, and damn-right bullying him. Alexander had not an inch to breathe – let alone stick to a game plan – as he was ferociously assaulted and rocked several times over 12 rounds. The bout concluded with a Unanimous Decision, with scores of 115-113, 116-112, 116-112, and remarkably featured no knockdowns.
One might wonder how a showdown between Porter and Malignaggi might unfold…
Veteran Sakio Bika and the young talent that is Anthony Dirrell took each other the distance. Although ending in a displeasing, arguably controversial Split Draw, Australia’s Bika will be delighted to return home with his WBC Super Middleweight title intact. Judges ringside scored the title defense 114-112, 110-116, 113-113. With both men under Al Haymon’s wing, it’s likely we will see this pair in a rematch before too long.
Erislandy Lara left little doubt over the winner of his intricate chess match with Austin Trout. Thrilling by no means, Lara’s elite boxing skills and expertly-timed 11th round knockdown nonetheless proved his legitimacy as a top-tier Junior Middleweight. The Cuban beat New Mexico’s Trout by Unanimous Decision with scores of 109-118, 110-117, 110-117.
Do you have any thoughts on Malignaggi vs Judah? Fire away in the comments below.
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