At Bally’s Atlantic City, January 5, 2008
DiBella Entertainment in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, To Promote the First Big Fight of 2008
New York, NY -- Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (23-1, 5 KO’s) will take on IBF mandatory challenger Herman Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KO’s) for Malignaggi’s IBF Junior Welterweight Title on January 5, 2008. The bout will take place at Bally’s Main Ballroom in Atlantic City and will be televised LIVE on Showtime Championship Boxing with coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi
Malignaggi last fought at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino on June 16 where he scored a 12 round unanimous decision over Lovemore Ndou (45-9-1, 30 KO’s) to win the IBF Junior Welterweight Title. “I am looking to start the New Year off right with a win over a tough competitor in Ngoudjo”, said Malignaggi. “I want to fight the best competition and prove that there is no one better than Paulie Malignaggi in the Junior Welterweight division. I know I have to train through the holidays and that’s always tough, but I plan on making up for it by making Herman Ngoudjo my own personal Christmas tree and lighting his ass up on January 5th.”
Ngoudjo most recently defeated Randall Bailey (35-6, 32 KO’s) to earn the mandatory shot against Malignaggi. The Montreal resident lost a controversial split decision to Jose Luis Castillo (56-8-1, 48 KO’s) in January of this year. “On January 5th, I will fulfill my dream to become world champion! I will be the first champion ever born in Cameroon”, said Ngoudjo. “Paul Malignaggi can run all over the ring but he can’t hide. He has no respect for me, but after our fight, he will be begging me for a rematch!”
Promoter Lou DiBella is extremely excited for the first battle of 2008. “Paulie has been underestimated his whole career and this fight will give him another chance to prove that he’s an elite champion”, said DiBella. “Herman Ngoudjo is a worthy number one contender who could have easily been given a decision against Jose Luis Castillo.”
Paulie Malignaggi talks to Aaron Braunstein.
Ngoudjo promoter Yvon Michel is happy to showcase his fighter to a worldwide audience. “We are thrilled to be associated with Lou DiBella for this event”, said Michel. “We also wish to thank Showtime for launching their 2008 season with this very promising fight. We have a lot of respect for the IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Paul Malignaggi but the time has come for Canadian Herman Ngoudjo.”
Paulie takes time out to photograph with fans.
