C. McGregor (left) sparring with P. Malinaggi (right) Photo: Reproduction Twitter thenotoriousmma)
Paulie Malinaggi could be yet another retired world champion boxer to return to action in search of a duel with Conor McGregor. The former boxer assured that his manager is negotiating a boxing duel between him and the “Notorious” with Dana White, president of the UFC and responsible for releasing (or not) his lightweight champion for boxing fights.
See too
Malinaggi and McGregor fell out after the Irishman invited the former champion to help him prepare for the superfight with Floyd Mayweather. After published photos and videos suggested that Conor got the better of Paulie, the retired boxer reacted and started a behind-the-scenes war with the UFC champion, who can now reach the boxing ring.
“I know Al Haymon (Paulie's promoter) and Dana White are talking. If they want this fight, they will do it. I don't need to be involved in this. The only way it won't happen is if this guy doesn't have balls. This fight will pay him more and give him more exposure. This fight would be the biggest he could have”, declared Malinaggi in an interview with the Fight Hype website.
If the duel does happen, Conor will once again put his MMA career on hold to face Malinaggi in boxing. McGregor hasn't fought in the UFC since November last year, when he became lightweight champion with a knockout victory over Eddie Alvarez. There is speculation that he could defend his belt against Tony Ferguson in December ahead of a possible second venture into boxing.
Comments