International Boxing Federation junior welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi has started off the new year in grand fashion, appropriate for one befitting a young world champion with his flamboyant personality and crossover appeal.

First, The Ring magazine selected Malignaggi (24-1, 5 KOs) as its 2007 Comeback of the Year fighter, and then the movie premiere of his life story, “Magic Man: The Paulie Malignaggi Story,” that drew rave reviews on SHOWTIME. Paulie followed that with his first title defense, winning a 12-round unanimous decision January 5 against mandatory challenger Herman “The Black Panther” Ngoudjo on Showtime Championship Boxing at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City.

The outspoken Brooklyn boxer, rated No. 2 by The Ring, was then the subject of a full page spread (Jan. 10 issue) in the trendy Time Out New York magazine (http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/shopping/25510/rummaging-with). Columnist Kristina Dechter’s “Rummaging with:” column included sidebar pieces on Paulie’s gloves (Everlast), his flex terry headband and Smooth ‘n Shine hair gel, Gleason’s Gym where he trains, his L-R-G Manimal hoodie and favorite pizza (Portobello’s).

The column’s sub-title read: We go to the ropes with a Brooklyn-bred boxer on how to dress, eat and train like a champ. “Known for his smack-spouting mouth and his dramatic entrances, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi brings panache along with jaw-crunching punches in the ring……The photogenic brawler (Malignaggi modeled streetwear for a Playboy fashion shoot last summer) has earned a reputation for his flashy ensembles.”

Then, “The Magic Man” joined New Jersey Governor John S. Corzine for the official ribbon-cutting festivities reopening the Union City Boxing Club.

Malignaggi, an avid soccer fan whose father Nello played pro soccer in Sicily, was honorary captain for the New Jersey Ironmen professional indoor soccer team, participating in the opening kick-off ceremony on Jan. 25.

“It’s been exciting so far,” Malignaggi said. “I’ve started the year off with a bang. We’re on our way to a big year in 2008. We’re going to continue this momentum and have a very successful year. Paulie Malignaggi is on the right path to becoming a household name – always the intent right from the start – in and out of boxing in 2008.”

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