Former boxer Paulie Malignaggi recently shared his perspective on a potential matchup with Conor McGregor, suggesting that he believes he would have emerged victorious if they had ever faced off in the boxing ring.
In the past, McGregor engaged in a high-profile boxing match against Floyd Mayweather, a bout that may not have ended in his favor but undoubtedly left a lasting impact, creating one of the most memorable pay-per-view events in history.
During the lead-up to the Mayweather fight, McGregor sparred with various opponents, including Paulie Malignaggi, fueling an ongoing disagreement about what truly transpired in their training sessions.
Malignaggi Unleashes Verbal Assault on Conor McGregor
Malignaggi, known for his outspoken nature, expressed his views on McGregor’s skill set, emphasizing his own prowess in the art of verbal warfare:
“I’m a better trash talker than McGregor; that’s one of the reasons he did not fight me. I would have dominated him in press conferences and the actual fight, dismantling the hype around him,” Malignaggi shared with Action Network. “He made a wise decision not to face me.”
Discussing McGregor’s career, Malignaggi acknowledged his physical and talent attributes but critiqued his commitment to the sport:
“Physically and talent-wise, he’s up there, but being a fighter requires more than flashy moves. It demands courage, a drive to succeed, and a readiness to face challenges. McGregor lacks that,” Malignaggi stated.
While drawing comparisons to other athletes like Anthony Joshua, Malignaggi pointed out perceived shortcomings in McGregor’s mental toughness:
“We’ve talked about A.J. losing that edge, but McGregor is on a different level. McGregor will quit on you; he does quit. He was not as good as advertised, and the money he’s made isn’t helping. He’s destined to be a punching bag if he continues,” Malignaggi concluded.
In Malignaggi’s eyes, McGregor’s success may have been propelled by effective marketing, but he suggests that the Irish fighter may face challenges as he progresses in his career, with a cautionary note that being a punching bag in one’s 20s could persist into one’s 30s.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
