Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi often reminds boxing fans just how important punching power is to a fighter.  While Malignaggi is often aggressive, stylistically impressive and flashily brilliant, he often lacks any kind of real pop to his punches.  He's fun to watch, but he's often unable to put his opponents in any real danger. 

Saturday night Malinaggi outlasted tough contender Herman Ngoudjo to win a close (even controversial) decision to retain his IBF belt.  Immediately after the fight, "The Magic Man" indicated he was aiming to fight Ring Magazine champion Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton.

Malignaggi continued to show in this fight what happens when a really gifted fighter has no real punching power.  He was unable to inflict any real damage on his opponent through out the fight.  Ngoujdo was the aggressor in the fight simply because he could walk through his opponents punches.  There is nothing "magic" about that.

Ngoudjo claimed robbery after the scores were announced.  Judge Al Bennett scored it 117-111, judge Steve Weisfeld scored it 115-113 and judge Kenny Chevalier scored it 116-113 -- all for Malignaggi.  Most ringside observers could understand the last two scores, but no one believes Paulie won by as wide a margin as Al Bennett scored the fight.  If anything, the Ring magazine's score of 114-114 was the correct call, but boxing is sadly often about more than the correct call.

In any event, Malinaggi and his people are looking to make a fight with Hatton later this year.  The two sides are discussing possibilities one of which includes a shared card in England to help promote the fight. 

The only real question I have is does anyone really believe Malignaggi could win the fight?  I think it would be fun to watch and competitive, but after seeing how well Hatton fought against Mayweather and considering Malignaggi is nowhere near the fighter Mayweather is, I just don't see a way for Paulie to win.     

But hey, I've been wrong before.....

In other action this weekend:

Peterson brothers watch: Lightweight Anthony Peterson(26-o) scored an 8th round KO over Jose Izquierdo (16-2-1) while his super-lightweight brother Lamont (24-0) won a ten round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Antonio Mesquita (34-1).  Keep an eye on these two as they climb the ranks.  Both are young, impressive fighters with bright futures.

Super-middleweight contender Allen Green (26-1) dominated former world title challenger Rubin Williams (29-2-1) on ESPN's Friday Night Fights winning a ten round unanimous decision.  Green is looking to regain his status as a possible superstar-to-be after a dismal showing in his last fight.  The card also included a win for lightweight Zahir Raheem (29-2) who needed just 78 seconds to destroy overmatched Ricardo Dominguez (23-3-2). 

Rumor of the week: There is talk of a fight between 130lb champ Manny Pacquiao (45-3-2) and 140lb champ Ricky Hatton.  Is it a real possibility?  Probably not, but it's still fun to think about.

Sponsored by EnterTo.com the first REAL spam free email

Original Story: http://mccarson.3steps.com/6160