Cardenas to Paulie Malignaggi: "I Wanted to Be Like You"

Yesterday, Ramon Cardenas (24-1, 13 KOs) became a contender for the title in the super bantamweight division (up to 55.2 kg). His victory by technical knockout in the sixth round against Israel Rodriguez (30-6, 20 KOs) was as dramatic as it was impressive. After dozens of exchanges, Cardenas landed a blow that broke Picasso's jaw. During the break between the 6th and 7th rounds, a doctor was called to the ring and did not allow the fight to continue.

After the match, Cardenas hugged one of the ProBox TV commentators, former world champion Paulie Malignaggi, to whom he expressed sincere respect. It turns out Malignaggi was the first famous boxer Cardenas ever met:

"I didn't even know who you were. I had been boxing for six months, but I had no idea. But then I saw people lining up to take pictures with you. I told myself that I wanted to be like him. I told my dad that one day I would meet Paulie and tell him this story," Cardenas said with a smile.