In this episode of The Italian American Podcast, we talk with Paul “Paulie” Malignaggi, a former two-weight World Champion who currently works as a commentator. Paulie tells the story of how he transitioned from Sicily to Brooklyn and had to learn to adapt to the diverse cultures and lifestyles, and how that led him to start his boxing career, despite coming out of a broken home.

In our Stories Segment,Charlie Scalies, the father of one of our listeners, best known for his work in “The Wire” (2003) and “The Sopranos” (2004), shares with us some of his greatest moments and memories growing up as an Italian.

Episode Quote

“A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t.” – Jack Dempsey

Tweetables

• “Boxing gave me a reason to behave and to do what I want to do.” – Paul Malignaggi
• “Italian Americans are my people.” – Dolores Alfieri
• “Boxing is a metaphor for life in many ways. The struggles you go through in boxing mirror the struggles you go through in life.” – Paul Malignaggi
• “You’ve got to commit your body and mind to believing in yourself.” – Paul Malignaggi
• “Boxing forces you to act on your mental mindset.” – Paul Malignaggi
• “It is not just physical ability that matters when you are fighting, you must also have a strong mind.” – Paul Malignaggi

About our guest… Paul Malignaggi

Paul “Paulie” Malignaggi is a former two-weight world champion, who currently works as a commentator.  He held the IBF junior welterweight title from 2007 to 2008, and the WBA welterweight title from 2012 to 2013.  On March 6, 2017, Malignaggi officially announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 36.  He finished his career with 44 professional fights, winning 36, with 7 inside the distance, and 8 losses.

Episode Sponsors

The National Italian American Foundation

Resources Mentioned

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Paul Malignaggi’s Facebook Account
Paul Malignaggi’s Twitter Account
Paul Malignaggi’s Instagram Account
Paulie MALIGNAGGI – MAGIC MAN – DOC. VIDEO