Rummaging with: Paulie Malignaggi

Photograph: Imogen Brown

Known for his smack-spouting mouth and his dramatic entrances, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi brings panache along with jaw-crunching punches to the ring. “If you want to break through in boxing, which is a marginalized sport that not everyone agrees with, you need to give a little extra to get a wider fan base,” says the savvy 27-year-old IBF junior welterweight champion (he defended his title Jan 5; TONY went to press before the fight against Herman “Black Panther” Ngoudjo). The photogenic brawler (Malignaggi modeled streetwear for a Playboy fashion shoot last summer) has earned a reputation for his flashy ensembles: colorful customized trunks by Everlast, including some fashioned into skirts, and matching Adidas boxing shoes adorned with tassels. “I like that people have curiosity about how I’m coming into the ring. It gets their attention and keeps people interested in me. But of course, you have to be able to back it up with skill.”

Photograph: Roxana Marroquin and David Rosenzweig

Everlast fight gloves
“Since each fighter has a different-shaped hand, these are a great fit for me: They mold just where I need them to when I’m sparring.” $100 at everlast.com

Photograph: Roxana Marroquin and David Rosenzweig

Flex terry headband and Smooth ‘n Shine hair gel
“When I started spiking my hair, the sweatband kept it up, and then [the trend] blew up. I’m not saying I blew it up, but it was everywhere! People would mistake me for a Gotti kid, coming up and asking for my autograph thinking I was one of those guys. Now, I think I have enough notoriety that they recognize me.” Headband, $6, at americanapparel.net, and gel, $3, at Duane Reade (duanereade.com)

Photograph: Shani Bar-On

Gleason’s Gym
“Even though the crowd is changing with the neighborhood, I’ve been going there for over ten years. It holds a special place in my heart, because if it weren’t for that place, I wouldn’t be here today. I was able to dream about what I wanted to be there, and I owe a lot of my success to Gleason’s.” 83 Front St between Plymouth and Washington Sts, suite 2, Dumbo, Brooklyn (718-797-2872)

Photograph: Roxana Marroquin and David Rosenzweig

L-R-G Manimal hoodie
“I like bold, fresh looks even when I’m not in the ring. These hoodies keep me stylish without sacrificing comfort.” $79 at drjays.com (available in Feb)

Photograph: Imogen Brown

“It’s like a lasagna on a slice, I love it. I also like coming here because it’s right over the bridge from Gleason’s, and it feels like family here.” $3.75 at 83 Murray St between West Broadway and Greenwich St (212-766-1195)

See previous Rummaging with