Same fighters. Different location. Same result: Paulie Malignaggi (26-3-1, 5 KOs) out-boxes Juan Diaz (35-2, 17 KOs) over 12 rounds. 
Who will the official decision actually go to? Your guess is as good as mine.
When I predicted Diaz-Malignaggi I, I went with my gut and was proven right by the judges. They say to always go with your gut but I’ll go with my mind this time around, and not because I have missed ab class this week.
I’m rolling the dice on Malignaggi because:
- No matter what the judges tallied, I felt that he edged Diaz in the first fight. Feeling that he truly won, Paulie will have a world of confidence on Saturday night.
- The location of the fight has changed. Although Chicago, Illinois has a significant Mexican-American population, don’t expect the home ring advantage for Diaz to be as substantial as it was in his backyard of Houston, Texas.
- The judges will be nervous. Given the perception that Diaz-Malignaggi I was viewed by many as a hometown decision, they may be inclined to err on the side of Malignaggi in close rounds to give the impression of fairness.
Make no mistake about it, I am not expecting Paulie Malignaggi to dominate Juan Diaz in any way, shape or form. He just doesn’t do that. But I do believe that if he fights exactly as he did in their first fight, he’ll get the nod. It won’t be unanimous, but he’ll get a majority or split decision nonetheless.
I will have to respectfully disagree bro. First off I thought Juan Diaz edged Paulie in their first match. Secondly, Paulie’s inconsistency will show up. Diaz knows what’s coming and will not only beat him, but do it decisively and by wide margins. But it is a toss up and we will see tomorrow…..
Fair enough Lucio. I did say that my gut told me last time Diaz and my gut tells me the same thing this time, but when I objectively looked at their fighting skills, Paulie M. still came out on top. I think Diaz’s lack of punching power lends itself to Malignaggi fighting more aggressively, and actually allows him to land more telling blows than he normally does in fights. We’ll see though.
Hey bro, props for the prediction. It turned out like you said.
@Lucio. Appreciate the props – my commenters sometimes don’t step up and give me my credit when I am right but they are surely there to holler when I’m wrong…so thanks man! Where does Juan go from here? He may be close to becoming B-level. Aggressive fighters often have a short-self life, i.e. those who lack punching power like Diaz. He’s had some really good ones though over Julio Diaz, Acelino Freitas and others. Ever since the Campbell loss however, somethings has seemingly been missing.
ron shields has brought jaun as far as he could, in order for him to achieve that next level of success it’s time for a change. “on to the next one”.
I salute you, good pick on a hard fight.
I lost money on this one
@the non-plumber…Never bet against Paulie Maggs against someone with no power! 😉