Juan Diaz vs Paulie Malignaggi Betting Odds Line and Prediction
By Brad Marchetti, Doghouse Boxing (Aug 22, 2009) Photo © Aaron Sprecher - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions  
This Saturday a couple of young contenders meet in a Jr. Welterweight crossroads fight on HBO when Juan Diaz faces Paulie Malignaggi. Both of these young pugs are coming off of damaging losses that have derailed their respective careers. Ricky Hatton beat the brakes off Malignaggi, 26-2, 5 KO’s, via 11th round TKO and had a tune-up 8-rounder to get ready for this fight. Diaz, 34-2, 17 KO’s, was most recently stretched out flat on his back by Juan Manuel Marquez after fighting on even terms with the Mexican legend for 9 rounds. The betting line for the Juan Diaz vs. Paulie Malignaggi fight has Diaz as a 4-1 favorite.

Juan Diaz is a relentless pressure fighter that throws rapid-fire combinations to the head and body. Diaz is a very fundamentally sound boxer that likes to come forward behind a stiff jab and wear down opponents. Diaz is available to be hit with his aggressive style and sometimes does not give enough angles when on the attack. Diaz is well-conditioned and throws near 100 punches per round but he does fade late in bouts after his early surge.

Paulie Malignaggi is still one of the better boxer’s in the sport of boxing. Malignaggi has a sneaky jab, fast feet and a good sense of distance. When Paulie is in a groove he has nice rhythm and can put together some nice combinations. Malignaggi’s right-hand which possesses the most power can only be thrown on occasion now after various hand surgeries. Malignaggi also has some holes in his defense and cuts easily.

Eventually Paulie Malignaggi will need to use his mangled right-hand to keep Diaz off his ass and it will not be strong enough to get the job done. Malingnaggi has some nice athleticism but he is a “runner” that will eventually run out of steam against Diaz’s relentless pressure. Over the last couple years Malignaggi seemed to regress technically when he trained under Buddy McGirt and Diaz at this stage is the better fighter.

Prediction: Juan Diaz (2 UNITS) -400

Juan Diaz vs Paulie Malignaggi Line

Paulie Malingnaggi +300 to +350

Juan Diaz -500 to -550

Juan Diaz vs. Paulie Malignaggi Tale-of-The Tape

Juan Diaz Tale-of-The Tape

Ht. 5'6"
Wt. First Fight At 140 Lbs. (135 Lbs. Most Of Career)
Age: 25
Reach 67"
Style: Volume Puncher
Best Punch: Left Hook
Rounds Fought: 248

Paulie Malignaggi Tale-of-The Tape

Ht. 5'8"
Wt. 140
Age 28
Reach: 70"
Style: Runner
Best Punch: Straight Right
Rounds Fought: 204
Marchetti Skill Ratings 1-10

Juan Diaz

Size: 6
Power: 6 (x200%)
Boxing Ability: 8
Hand Speed: 8
Stamina: 8
Defense: 6 (x200%)
Durability: 8 (x200%)
Legs: 6
Jab: 8
In-Fighting: 9
Heart: 8
Punch Output: 10

Overall: 8.5

Paul Malignaggi:

Size: 7
Power: 5 (x200%)
Boxing Ability: 7
Hand Speed: 8
Stamina: 7
Defense: 7 (x200%)
Durability: 5 (x200%)
Legs: 9
Jab: 8
In-Fighting: 6
Heart: 7
Punch Output: 7

Overall: 7.4



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