CHICAGO – Paul Malignaggi beat fellow American Juan Diaz by unanimous decision on Saturday, a clear outcome after a controversial fight in August between the two junior welterweights.
The 29-year old Malignaggi came out more aggressive than normal and consistently landed his jab while Diaz waited to counter. Brooklyn-based fighter always seemed to have the fight under control, even when Diaz managed to steal a few rounds with quick flurries.
All three judges scored it 116-111 for Malignaggi.
The scorecards were in stark contrast to the wild difference in their first fight, when Diaz won by unanimous decision in his hometown of Houston. That fight was close throughout, and the 118-110 scorecard by a Texas judge sparked the controversy that resulted in the rematch. (AP)