Yes, like many a fighter before him, Paulie Malignaggi was headed down the wrong path when he was introduced to the sweet science in his native Brooklyn, New York. It didn't take long for boxing to give Malignaggi a sense of purpose, along with a way out—and a way up.

A technically sound fighter who relied greatly on his hand and foot speed, Malignaggi made his professional debut in July 2001 at the age of 20, earning a first-round TKO victory. He would go on to win his first 21 fights, setting up his first world title shot at 140 pounds against Miguel Cotto in June 2006.

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Source: http://www.premierboxingchampions.com/