Former world champion boxer and current Showtime boxing commentator Paulie Malignaggi (36-8) was brought in by Conor McGregor to help him prepare for his Aug. 26 showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in what will be the Irishman’s pro boxing debut. It’s a long shot for the UFC champion but one that will keep his grandkids in private schools and chauffeurs for the McGregor clan for generations to come.
They say I've got no hands. pic.twitter.com/FJfvj5qjKi
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 21, 2017
Conor posted a photo early Friday showing his first sparring session with Malignaggi and he can be seen taunting the former boxing champion with his hands behind his back, and while wearing Gucci trunks nonetheless. Not much can be assumed as to what happened next, but Malignaggi gave an update to NYFights about how the session went.
“I felt OK,” Malignaggi said. “Eight rounds, good work. I can’t disclose too much but McGregor is no dummy….there’s a method to his madness.”
“He has an idea of what he wants to do and how he wants to do it, he’s not clueless,” Malignaggi continued. “He’s not your conventional boxer by any means but he’s capable and his power is good. Whether that can be effective is up to him, but he’s no dummy!”
The boxer turned color man also posted a couple of updates on Twitter today responding to Conor’s photo with his hands behind his back. Malignaggi said his code is for sparring details to stay in the gym and they both did their share of sh*t talking and showboating.
Good rounds last night with @TheNotoriousMMA. My code is sparring details stay in the gym. Look forward to helping him get ready for 8/26.
— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) July 21, 2017
Work is work, the respect comes before and after, it does make the Boxing more fun to talk shit and showboat, we both did our share lol. https://t.co/UqauOu7aRE
— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) July 21, 2017
The betting odds still favor Mayweather but the lines are tightening!