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Steve KimESPN
Former two-time champion Paulie Malignaggi has signed an exclusive two-year deal to join Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, with his first appearance scheduled for June.
Malignaggi, 38, had announced his retirement from the ring in March 2017 after an eighth-round loss to Sam Eggington. Currently, Malignaggi serves as a color commentator for Showtime.
“BKFC is the new wave in combat sports,” Malignaggi said. “They’re doing great things, and I’m very excited to be a part of this organization.
“I’ve accomplished some big things in my boxing career, and I look forward to what this next phase brings. After a long boxing career, it’s easy to miss the limelight and the rush that combat brings. I look forward to getting back in action and the new challenge of fighting for BKFC.”
Malignaggi, who began his boxing career in 2001, had a professional boxing record of 36-8 (7 KOs). He won world titles at junior welterweight and welterweight, and during his career battled the likes of Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Ricky Hatton, Adrien Broner and Juan Diaz.
“This is great signing for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship,” BKFC founder and president David Feldman said. “At this time in our company’s growth, we needed to add a legitimate and well-established world champion boxer to our roster, and I believe with Paulie’s ability and personality, we’ve done just that. Paulie is the perfect fit for us.”
Back in 2017, Malignaggi served as a sparring partner for Conor McGregor as he prepared for his bout with Floyd Mayweather.