Notable Examples: Antonio "The Magic Man" Tarver, Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi, Marlon "Magic Man" Starling
Most of the reused nicknames that made the "Best" list are on here because they represent a classic boxing archetype, and this one is no exception.
"The Magic Man" is just a thrill to watch. Like their name implies, these fighters have a combination of dexterous hand movements and skilled showmanship make them fun to watch.
"The Magic Man" may or may not be the greatest fighter in the ring, but he always seems to be in entertaining, enjoyable fights.
As an Olympic bronze medalist, four-time heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver has a solid set of accomplishments in the ring. However, he is perhaps most famous for his big, bold personality.
Before his second fight with Roy Jones, Jr., Tarver had possibly the most famous in-ring utterance in boxing history. Just before the first round bell, as referee Jay Nady concluded his pre-fight instructions, Nady asked "Do either of you have any questions?"
Instead of doing the customary "no" head shake, Tarver said "I have a question: You got any excuses tonight, Roy?" He proceeded to knock out Jones within two rounds: the first non-DQ loss of Jones' career.
Likewise, Paulie Malignaggi is known for his flashy attire, in-ring clowning, and his outspoken nature outside of the ring. Before his first fight with Juan Diaz, Paulie correctly predicted he'd be on the short end of an unfair decision because the fight was in Diaz's hometown of Houston and there was a judge from Texas.
After bluntly talking about corruption in boxing, Malignaggi talked himself into a rematch with Diaz, which he won convincingly.
This connotation of an extraordinary entertainer makes "Magic Man" one of the few nicknames that can single-handedly make me want to watch a fighter.
