Premier Boxing Champions 2015: Fight Card and TV Schedule for August 1

Two of Brooklyn's own will look to defend their turf in the feature bouts for the next episode of Premier Boxing Champions at the Barclays Center in New York on Saturday, August 1. PBC and Showtime analyst and former two-time champion Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KO) will challenge undefeated pound-for-pound contender Danny "Swift" Garcia (30-0, 17 KO).

In the co-feature, WBA regular middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs (29-1, 26 KO) will defend his secondary championship against former titleholder Sergio Mora (28-3-2, 9 KO). 

When: Saturday, August 1, at 9 p.m. ET

Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York

TV: ESPN

Ticket Info: Score Big

Malignaggi vs. Garcia Preview

Jason DeCrow/Associated Press

It's hard not to respect Malignaggi. You would be hard-pressed to find a guy who has accomplished more in the sport with so few overwhelming athletic gifts. In his prime, he had above-average speed, but his lack of power puts him at a distinct disadvantage in almost every fight.

Even with that, he's still put together a solid career that will leave him just two to three notches short of a Hall of Fame run when he hangs up the gloves.

For as much success as Malignaggi has had as a fighter, he's an even better analyst of the sport. He's sharp and knowledgeable, and his voice is distinct. This might seem like an insult, but it's not meant to be. Malignaggi's work behind the mic has breathed new life into his in-ring career and introduced him to new fans.

Earlier in his career, Malignaggi was known for his wild hairstyles, motor mouth and over-the-top ring attire. At 34 years old, he's milder and wiser, and he has respect for Garcia.

“Danny Garcia has a lot of experience fighting a lot of guys who have pretty good names on the way up to the highest level,” Malignaggi said, per Premier Boxing Champions' official website. “Some guys have the title handed to them, but I just never felt that Danny was one of those guys. He’s had it pretty tough all the way, and he’s managed to pass all of the tests.”

Garcia's titles have come at 140 pounds. But he's had struggles making the weight over the last two years, and he has decided it's time to move to welterweight.

Per Joe Santoliquito of Ring TV, Garcia said: “Two years ago I felt like I should have moved up to 147. Right now, I’m feeling strong and I feel good. You saw what happened when I was feeling strong and when I felt good. That came out against [Lucas] Matthysse."

Mary Altaffer/Associated Press

Garcia's best performance came against Matthysse, but many would argue he hasn't been impressive since—unless you count the gross mismatch against Rod Salka in August 2014. While Malignaggi isn't exactly a top-10 welterweight, he is an experienced fighter with a big name.

A win for Garcia could pave the way for a rematch with Amir Khan or a battle with Adrien Broner, Shawn Porter or Keith "One Time" Thurman. If Malignaggi wins, he will have again extended his career and his relevance as a fighter in the eyes of the boxing community.

Previewing Jacobs vs. Mora

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

There will come a time when Daniel Jacobs faces a formidable challenge for his title, but quite frankly, this doesn't look like the fight. Mora is a tough and crafty veteran, but he lacks the power to make Jacobs respect him.

Because of that, this fight will more than likely be a showcase for the 28-year-old champion and Brooklyn native. Jacobs put on an exciting show in his last scrap against Caleb Truax in Chicago on April 24. If you're looking for a repeat of that, you might be disappointed.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Although he has won his last five fights, Mora doesn't match up well with Jacobs' speed or power.

None of the fighters he's beaten during his current streak compare to Jacobs in overall skill and athleticism. Fans should be hoping that Mora is able to make a solid account of himself and that he forces Jacobs to work for the win.

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