Paulie Malignaggi's Transition from Pro Boxing to Bare Knuckle Fighting Raises Questions About His Punching Power

The former world champion boxer's move to a new combat sport has sparked debates about the effectiveness of his fighting style.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Paulie Malignaggi, the Italian-American former professional boxer, has transitioned into a role as a boxing commentator and analyst after a career that saw him capture world titles in two weight divisions. However, recent discussions have revisited assessments of Malignaggi's fighting style, with some observers characterizing his punches as lacking impact, particularly in his bare-knuckle fighting ventures. The perception of his 'weak' punches and concerns about their effectiveness in a different combat environment have fueled debates about the challenges faced by boxers transitioning to other fighting disciplines.

Why it matters

Malignaggi's career trajectory and the analysis of his fighting style touch upon broader themes within the boxing world, such as the importance of factors beyond pure skill in achieving sustained success, the challenges faced by fighters transitioning to different combat sports, and the constant need for adaptation and strategic refinement at the highest levels of the sport.

The details

Malignaggi, born in Brooklyn, New York, had a successful amateur boxing career, known for his speed, boxing ability, athleticism, and durable chin. However, discussions surrounding his professional career often return to perceptions of a lack of punching power. This critique surfaced notably in discussions surrounding his bare-knuckle fighting ventures, where it was noted that even those with less boxing experience sometimes demonstrated more forceful punches. A specific fight frequently referenced is his bout against Artem Lobov, where the perception of his 'weak' hands and proneness to injury was raised even before the fight.

  • Malignaggi's professional boxing career spanned from 2001 to 2017.
  • He captured the IBF junior welterweight title from 2007 to 2008 and the WBA welterweight title from 2012 to 2013.
  • A Facebook post from May 19, 2025 highlighted Adrien Broner as a fighter who, despite possessing talent, failed to fully realize his potential due to issues with discipline and distractions.

The players

Paulie Malignaggi

An Italian-American former professional boxer who has transitioned into a role as a boxing commentator and analyst, currently working with BYB Extreme Bare Knuckle Fighting Series and ProBox TV.

Artem Lobov

A fighter who faced Malignaggi in a bare-knuckle fighting match, where the perception of Malignaggi's 'weak' hands and proneness to injury was raised.

Adrien Broner

A fighter who, despite possessing talent, failed to fully realize his potential due to issues with discipline and distractions, as highlighted in a Facebook post from May 19, 2025.

Anthony Joshua

A boxer whose recent vulnerability to the left hook has been highlighted in news reports, underscoring the constant need for adaptation and strategic refinement at the highest levels of boxing.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Malignaggi's transition from professional boxing to bare-knuckle fighting has sparked debates about the effectiveness of his fighting style, particularly his perceived lack of punching power. This case highlights the challenges faced by boxers transitioning to different combat sports, where their strengths in traditional boxing may not translate directly. It also underscores the importance of factors beyond pure skill in achieving sustained success in the sport of boxing.