Paulie Malignaggi is returning to BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing despite his brutal first effort as he pursues a world title in a brand new sport.
The boxing legend retired from the ring in 2017, before getting into an infamous feud with Conor McGregor that summer. Ultimately, it led to him stepping into BKFC, where he fought the Irishman’s then-best friend Artem Lobov.
CHANGE MY MIND: Conor McGregor is the UFC’s best legend
‘Notorious’ took MMA to the following level at the peak of his legendary profession.
He in some way lost that bout and decided to quit fighting altogether, save for an exhibition celebrity boxing bout with influencer Corey B in 2021. Then last 12 months, he got here back to face Tyler Goodjohn, showing his grit and toughness in a brutal victory.
- GRUESOME: Paulie Malignaggi left ‘blind’ in a single eye after suffering horror cut in bare-knuckle comeback
Paulie Malignaggi sets May 18 BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing title fight in Manchester
After suffering a variety of cuts and eye injuries in his fight with Tyler Goodjohn last 12 months, one would have forgiven 45-year-old Paulie Malignaggi for giving up fighting for good. But he has as an alternative opted to take a step up and go for a world title in what can be his second sport.
BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing will return to the UK on Saturday May 18, with Malignaggi headlining against Rolando Dy for the BKB super-welterweight world championship. Dy is the son of former world champion Rolando Navarrete and was a MMA champion who had a stint within the UFC.
“I proved I can still perform at this level, even through injury,” Malignaggi said in a press release. “Bare knuckle is raw and real, and I like it.
“Becoming a two-sport world champion would mean every little thing – it’s about legacy, not only one other fight. Dy is hard, with that fighter’s bloodline and MMA background, but I’m able to take the belt and make history.”
Dy then gave his thoughts, saying: “Paulie is a legend in boxing, but that is bare knuckle. I’ve fought the very best in multiple sports, and I’ll defend my title the hard way. Manchester and the world will see why I’m the champion.”
And BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing CEO David Tetreault added: “Paulie has already shown he belongs in bare knuckle along with his gutsy win over Tyler Goodjohn.
“This title fight against Rolando Dy is the right next chapter – two warriors with world-class pedigrees colliding within the Trigon. Fans are in for something special as Paulie chases that historic two-sport status.”
The event can be broadcast on TalkSPORT on the UK and Ireland, and can be shown on Vice TV and Telemundo in the USA.
Join the controversy; share your insight. Use the comment button on the underside left to have your say