Paul Malignaggi, the IBF Junior Welterweight title holder, was born in Brooklyn, New York. At 16, Malignaggi was thrown out of high school. To keep him out of trouble and off the streets his grandfather Umberto Vinci and his uncle Dario Vinci took him to the gym, and Malignaggi has never left since. As an amateur, Malignaggi won the 1998 and 2001 New York Golden Gloves Amateur Championship, as well as the 2001 United States National Amateur Championship

Malignaggi, nicknamed The "Magic Man", made his professional debut on July 7, 2001. He adopts the "Hitman" stance popularized by Thomas Hearns, keeping his left arm beside his waist and his right hand at the chest level. This leaves his head completely exposed, a risky fighting style. In turn, he punches from his hips, something few boxers can manage unless they have exceptional handspeed.

After amassing a perfect 21-0 record, Malignaggi faced the undefeated, Junior Welterweight, Miguel Cotto in Madison Square Garden. Malignaggi fought his way through a 12 grueling round contest but was defeated by a unanimous decision.

Soon after Malignaggi would gain the title by defeating Lovemore N'dou in a 12 round contest, in which he was unanimous given the title of the IBF World Junior Welterweight Champion.