World’s will collide when ex-UFC fighter Artem Lobov and former two-division boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi clash in a bare knuckle contest on June 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida.
These two have been going back and forth in the media for a number of years now. The build up to this remarkable matchup continued in New York City recently as they went face to face for the first time since Malignaggi infamously slapped Lobov at Mendez Gym in the Manhattan area of New York.
Maglinaggi, who hasn’t fought since getting stopped in 2017 at the hands of Sam Eggington, seemed to call it a career. After winning three world titles in two different weight classes, no one would fault “The Magic Man” for stepping away.
He has nothing left to prove, and has established himself as one of the better boxing commentators around. With so much that he has accomplished, why would he want to not only resume fighting, but in a format that he is completely new too?
“David Feldman sold me on this whole Bare Knuckle idea,” said Maglinaggi during his portion of the presser. “It’s something that intrigued me.”
Lobov is recently coming off a fight of the year candidate in Bare Knuckle Boxing when he took on Jason Knight. It was a brutal contest. Many believe that his upcoming fight against Maglinaggi is coming a bit too soon. Lobov however doesn’t feel it’s too soon at all.
“No, the quick turnaround won’t be a problem for me,” said Lobov as he stood in front of the gathered media members. “Paulie is fat and out of shape. He also doesn’t hit hard, so I’m not worried about him hitting me at all. I’m going to destroy this guy.”
There is absolutely no love between these fighters. That much was made clear as they continued to go back and forth during the presser.
Things escalated when both fighters came face to face. Lobov continued to place his hands in the face of Malignaggi.
The Magic Man warned his opponent about doing it again. Staying true to his words, the former two division world champion spit in the face of Lobov. Chaos ensued as the two men had to be separated.
The build up for this contest is unlike most. These two have a genuine disdain for one another. There is no doubt that come fight night, these two will be hurling punches with bad intentions. June 22 can’t come fast enough.
