Boxing Film “Magic Man” Receives Prestigious Award

Magic Man,” the documentary film which chronicles the dramatic ascent of perpetual underdog Paulie the “Magic Man” Malignaggi to his WBO Junior Welterweight championship challenge against Miguel Cotto, has received the prestigious “Best of the Festival Audience Award” from the Hoboken International Film Festival.

The Audience Award is equivalent to a Viewers Choice Award, and was accepted by Lou DiBella, Malignaggi’s promoter and executive producer and co-producer of “Magic Man” at the Hoboken Awards Gala last Thursday night.

“Magic Man” profiles the scrawny kid from a broken home who, in his quest to prove his life was worth something, defeated all odds to arrive at the Mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden, one big upset away from proving everybody wrong and winning the WBO Junior Welterweight Title. It’s a story of disappointment and determination, of stamina and salvation.

“Magic Man” made its debut earlier last week at the Hoboken International Film Festival.

The independent film was produced and conceived by Brave St. Productions, a full service, content creation and production company that services the worldwide television broadcast arena. “Magic Man” was their first effort at a feature documentary film.

“’Magic Man’ is a real life Rocky story,” said Tammy Leetch, Brave St. partner, “and we are proud of the recognition by the Hoboken audience.”

The flick on the flamboyant and charismatic Malignaggi gives movie goers a behind the scenes look at a fighter’s actual experiences in preparing for and engaging in a defining contest. The film highlights the blood, sweat, and tears that characterize the dramatic, and often heartbreaking, world of professional boxing.

The festival had received over 1,000 submissions, and Magic Man was among the five percent of the projects selected.

Malignaggi has a pro ring record of 22-1 with five knockouts, his only career setback coming in valiant fashion against Cotto.

Malignaggi will face Lovemore N’Dou for the IBF Junior Welterweight Title on Saturday, June 16th, at Mohegan Sun Arena, in bout televised live on HBO. The bout will be sponsored by FreetheFan.com.

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Tickets for Ndou vs. Malignaggi are priced at $150, $100, and $75. They are available through DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577, Ticketmaster outlets and the Mohegan Sun Box Office.