Paulie Malignaggi’s Comeback
At 44 years old, Paulie Malignaggi is making a comeback in the combat sports arena, but his return raises significant concerns regarding an injury that has plagued him throughout his boxing career.
Hand Injuries and Struggles
The former champion has notoriously dealt with severe hand injuries, significantly hampering his ability to secure wins in critical matches. This issue was particularly evident during his first foray into bare-knuckle boxing against Artem Lobov six years prior, where he encountered similar setbacks.
Bare-knuckle fighting demands a level of damage delivery that Malignaggi has struggled with, especially as his hand issues became more pronounced in the latter stages of his professional boxing tenure. During his match with Lobov—a contest that marked his return to the spotlight following a two-year hiatus from boxing—he was unable to overcome the recurring problem. Lobov won the match with a score of 48-47 across all judging panels, and immediately afterward, Malignaggi displayed visibly swollen hands, a stark reminder of his ongoing struggle.
Reflections on His Career
“While unfortunately I may not have been born with very durable hands, it is still an experience I get to look back on and say I lived it.”
With a record of four surgeries on his right hand, he expressed pride in achieving more as a predominantly one-handed boxer than many achieve with two.
New Contract and Aspirations
The announcement of a new three-fight contract with Bare-Knuckle Boxing (BKB) sparked immediate questions about his ability to manage his hand troubles throughout the series. Malignaggi addressed this uncertainty, asserting his respect for other fighters and his desire to earn a title shot the right way.
“I know that when this announcement gets around to the contenders, they’re all going to want a piece of me.”
He is eager to fight top contenders in the super welterweight division, emphasizing his determination to climb the ranks authentically.
Readiness and Legacy
With his extensive background as a commentator observing competitions from ringside, Malignaggi feels well-prepared to return. He stated,
“Having sat ringside at BKB for three years, always thinking I can still do that. I used to fight 10- to 12-round fights. I can still do 5 or 6 rounds.”
His desire to prove himself remains strong, as he believes this comeback could solidify his legacy across two sports. While his first opponent’s identity has yet to be disclosed, a fight is slated for September 6 in the UK. Despite the ongoing challenges related to his hand injuries, Malignaggi remains optimistic about facing competitive adversaries and demonstrating his capabilities once more.
