Paul Malignaggi Reflects on Bare-Knuckle Boxing Experience, Ultimate Boxxer Series

Paul Malignaggi was back in the commentary booth last weekend after his first and more than likely his last bare-knuckle boxing contest in Florida the week before.

Malignaggi was the highest-profile combat sports athlete to enter the bare-knuckle fight game, and the former two-weight world champion opened up about the experience as a whole.

The Brooklyn native speaking from Florida said, “The bare-knuckle boxing thing was what it was. It is probably the best buy rate that sport will ever do as I was involved in it and financially I’ve done well out of it.

“It was an experience and life is always about experiencing different things. I don’t regret doing it but now I am more focused on enjoying life and working on the other projects that I have going on right now.”

Malignaggi is widely regarded as one of the world’s most elite analysts in the sport of boxing, working with Sky Sports and Showtime amongst others for multiple years. The New Yorker discussed his plans moving forward in the media field.

He said, “My future from a career perspective is commentating. It’s something that I really enjoy doing and there is a demand for me to commentate so that’s really my focus going forward from a career point of view and I hope people keep enjoying my work in the broadcast booth.

Malignaggi also fits into to the BT Sport promoted Ultimate Boxxer series which sees its fourth instalment come from Altringham’s Ice Arena on July 19. The ‘Magic Man’ gave his take on the all-action series, “I think this show is going to be the best one yet. There are eight talented cruiserweights who are looking to make a name for themselves in a division which I believe is one of the most underrated on a world scene.

“The Cruiserweight division is always full of action, look at the World Boxing Super Series. These fighters are the next generation and I am really excited to be part of what is going to be a really fun and entertaining night of action for those in attendance or watching live on BT Sport.”