Paulie Malignaggi in training for bout with Edner Cherry

Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi opened training camp three weeks ago in Vero Beach, Florida to prep for his return to action on February 17 against Edner Cherry in the 10-round main event. That date, I must confess, is one I’m truly looking forward to, as Malignaggi, Sechew Powell, and Andre Berto will all be looking to open eyes (of watchers) and close the show (with destructive intent).

Malignaggi (21-1, 5 KOs) last fought since June 10, when he lost a 12-round decision to the then WBO light welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Malignaggi suffered a fractured cheekbone and cut over his eye, and must be complimented in taking on a true-blue contender in his first fight back.

Cherry (21-4-2, 10 KOs) has fast hands, along the same lines as Malignaggi, and a similar level of pop. This one truly could be a doozy…

Malignaggi has been enjoying the mild climes down south: “There is a big difference from New York and it takes some time to get used to. It’s a lot quieter and calmer here. The weather is nice. Everything has been going great. I’m away from any distractions. Sometimes it gets a little boring and repetitive because all we do is train. But we’re here for important stuff and it’s been an ideal training camp. It’s the same regiment. I run on the beach and do all the things need in training. It’s better training here to focus. I won’t go back to New York until February 14.”

He also commented on his relationship with Buddy McGirt, his new cornerman, who replaced vet Billy Giles, best known for guiding Hector Camacho. “I’ve definitely improved a lot working with Buddy,” the mouthy Maliganggi said. “We’ve worked on a lot of different things and I’ve become a more complete fighter. People will see a lot of it in this fight but even more in time. We’re fine-tuning things like balance, angles and timing. I had always relied on my natural ability. My style is what I am but we’re working on sitting down on my punches and balance, offense and defense.”

Maligannagi also gave a scouting report on Cherry, the Bahamian who has never been in a fight that he either didn’t win, or was close. “He seems to like to box. He’s a solid fighter but he hasn’t fought anybody on Paulie Malignaggi’s level. He’s going to be fighting on a high world-class level and he’s in for a rude awakening. When the bell rings he’s going to be into a totally different world, like I was when I went into the Cotto fight. He’s going to be fighting a very hungry fighter. I still have an aftertaste from my last fight. I didn’t like losing and I’m preparing myself 100-percent never to lose again.”

The jam-packed HBO card is going to be an extra impetus to perform, Malignaggi said.

“Every fighter from the time he’s an amateur thinks about fighting on HBO because that means you’re well on your way to making it. There’s an extra charge fighting on HBO. They chose this fight and I plan to put on a great show so HBO will keep putting me on and we can develop a good relationship.”

His problems with brittle hands, the Brooklyn boxer says, are in the rear view mirror.

“They’re great. People are getting used to my hands being good after my last couple of fights. Any fighter who has a hand problem should see Dr. Steven Margeles. He pretty much saved my career. He certainly resurrected it and has given me a chance to make a big name in boxing.”

Aside: my wife admitted to me yesterday that she is somewhat obsessed with the name “Sechew Powell.� She’ll wake up in the morning and the name will pop into her head. I’m not kidding you…She assures me that I shouldn’t feel jealous, that she’s just fascinated with how it rolls off her tongue in her mind….

I know, weird, right?