Most fight fans view Danny “Swift” Garcia’s August 1 matchup against Paulie Malignaggi on NBC, Garcia’s first as a full-fledged welterweight, as a test case for his viability at 147 pounds. Garcia has been criticized for weak matchmaking since a 2013 upset of Lucas Matthysse.
Since then, Garcia won a questionable split decision over Mauricio Herrera, a heavy underdog, viciously knocked out a comically overmatched lightweight in Rod Salka in a fight in which Garcia was overweight, then eked out another questionable split decision over Lamont Peterson at a catch weight, even though both had junior welterweight title belts. Now that he’s at welterweight, he’s fighting one of the lightest punchers in the division.
Don’t tell Malignaggi he’s an underdog though. He is scoffing at the odds, and thinks anyone who doesn’t see this as a competitive matchup is a “moron.”
To make those bold statements true, here are three things Malignaggi must do vs. Garcia.
Be In Tip-Top Shape, And Move For 12 Rounds
When Garcia has struggled, it has been against fighters that refuse to stand and trade. Garcia is an extremely talented counter-puncher, so that’s why he was able to defeat fighters like Matthysse, Amir Khan and even Erik Morales earlier in his career. Herrera did not do that, and neither did Peterson, who lost mostly because he didn’t throw enough in the early rounds. Few who watched Garcia-Peterson would argue that Garcia was effective for more than a few seconds at a time at any point in that fight.
Malignaggi is known as the “Magic Man” not only because he’s become a respected champion with minimal punching power, but because he was so elusive in his prime. At 35 Malignaggi is not so elusive anymore—Shawn Porter proved that—but Garcia does not pressure like Porter, so he could give Garcia fits if he doesn’t wear down.
Throw, throw, throw!
Many believe Malignaggi beat Adrien Broner when they fought in 2013 even though Broner landed more powerful shots. Malignaggi out worked Broner by a wide margin and landed his fair share of shots; they just didn’t hurt Broner.
Herrera did the same to Garcia when they fought in Puerto Rico, and Peterson did too down the stretch when he closed the gap on most scorecards. Garcia is a warrior, but he does not push the pace and he is not particularly active. Malignaggi may steal rounds if he can land his punches, and avoid being hit. Even if Garcia lands some real good power shots, the volume may convince the judges to score it for Paulie.
Keep His Distance
Malignaggi is the longer fighter, and coupled with his utter lack of power (seven KOs), fighting from range is Paulie’s friend. Peterson had success boxing Garcia from the outside, and fighting far away negates the power Garcia has in his check hooks. Malignaggi is crafty and will know to do this, so Garcia might have to leave his comfort zone and pressure Malignaggi.
Maybe this knowledge is the source of the Magic Man’s confidence.
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