Paulie Malignaggi, a former boxing world champion, is making a surprising return to the fight game, not in a traditional boxing ring, but in the realm of bare-knuckle fighting. This strategic move, driven by the shorter fight durations characteristic of bare-knuckle bouts, marks a new chapter for the seasoned fighter. His upcoming match against Tyler Goodjohn is highly anticipated, as it represents his second foray into this demanding sport and the first under a new multi-fight agreement. This transition underscores a growing trend of established boxers exploring alternative combat sports, seeking new challenges and leveraging their extensive experience in varied formats.
The veteran boxer, known as “Magic Man,” recently inked a three-fight agreement with BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing. His initial contest under this new contract is scheduled for September 6, where he will face Tyler Goodjohn at the Ice Arena in Bristol, England. This event is drawing significant attention, given Malignaggi’s distinguished boxing career, which boasts a record of 36 wins and 8 losses, including 7 knockouts. His previous venture into bare-knuckle fighting in 2019 resulted in a unanimous decision loss to MMA fighter Artem Lobov, making his return a compelling narrative.
Malignaggi's decision to embrace bare-knuckle boxing over traditional gloved competition is rooted in the format's concise nature. He openly stated that the appeal of five-round bare-knuckle bouts, as opposed to the longer durations of professional boxing matches, was a primary motivator. He explained that extended fight durations often presented a challenge for him later in his career, impacting his performance in the latter rounds, with the exception of his bout against Shawn Porter. This preference for shorter fights reflects a calculated move to maximize his effectiveness and minimize the physical toll on his body at 44 years old.
His opponent, Tyler Goodjohn, a 34-year-old fighter from Ely, England, brings a bare-knuckle record of 5 wins and 3 losses to the table. Goodjohn recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Joe Smith in April 2025. Prior to his bare-knuckle pursuits, Goodjohn had a professional boxing career with 13 wins and 6 losses, including 4 knockouts. Notably, he made a brief return to professional boxing in 2024 after a seven-year hiatus, suffering a second-round knockout defeat to Weljon Mindoro in a match where Malignaggi coincidentally served as a commentator. This shared history adds an intriguing layer to their upcoming confrontation.
During a press conference in the United Kingdom, Malignaggi expressed his profound respect for Goodjohn, acknowledging his contributions to the sport of bare-knuckle fighting. He emphasized his desire to compete against reputable opponents who can enhance the sport’s profile and generate significant interest. Malignaggi articulated his belief that a bout between him and Goodjohn in the “Trigon” — a reference to the fighting arena — would be mutually beneficial, allowing both fighters to boost their public visibility and collectively elevate the sport’s stature. This strategic partnership highlights a mutual understanding of the promotional potential inherent in their matchup.
Malignaggi is part of a growing cohort of renowned professional boxers, including Dat Nguyen and Austin Trout, who have successfully transitioned into bare-knuckle boxing. Their participation signifies a broader acceptance and increasing popularity of this combat sport, drawing in talent from traditional boxing and offering a new platform for fighters to compete and entertain. The upcoming fight is poised to further cement bare-knuckle boxing’s place in the combat sports landscape, showcasing the enduring appeal of raw, unadulterated fighting.
Paulie Malignaggi’s imminent return to bare-knuckle boxing signifies a calculated career move, prioritizing strategic advantages in fight duration over traditional boxing formats. This decision, driven by physical considerations and a desire for continued engagement in combat sports, positions him against a respected bare-knuckle veteran, promising an exciting encounter. The bout also highlights a burgeoning trend of high-profile boxers crossing over into bare-knuckle fighting, contributing to its expanding appeal and legitimizing its standing in the broader combat sports community.