Van Oscar Penovaroff and never looked back. He outscored Penovaroff in three out of four rounds en route to a 15-4 victory. When I started out, I gave it 100 percent from the get go, added Malignaggi. If I m going to do this, I m putting all of my heart into it. Not just in this tournament, in my career.
Nobody remembers the runner-up.
Malignaggi will continue his quest for a U.S. title in tomorrow s semifinal action against Antonio Davis who obliterated Cordell Barbour, 21-4, earlier today. With the win, Malignaggi assured himself a spot at next month s U.S. Challenge, which will determine the U.S. squad for the World Championships, June 2-11, in Belfast, Ireland. I have always looked up to him as a kid and from then on, I ve followed his career. Knowing that he would eventually meet Stewart, Flores carried a picture of him in his wallet and looked at it each day in an attempt to keep his focus while in Mexico. After the first two rounds, it was evident that the Williard, Mo., native did not have a problem with focus as he held a commanding 13-2 lead.