Paulie Malignaggi Reveals Hardest-Hitting Opponent in Boxing Career

Paulie Malignaggi, a former two-weight world champion, has shared the ring with some of the most formidable fighters in combat sports. Throughout his illustrious career, Malignaggi has faced off against top-tier opponents such as Shawn Porter, Zab Judah, and Adrien Broner. Known for his technical prowess and quick footwork, he has also sparred with UFC superstar Conor McGregor and fought British boxing icon Ricky Hatton.

In a candid interview with talkSPORT.com, Malignaggi revealed that the hardest punch he ever faced came from none other than Miguel Cotto. “Without a doubt, the guy who hit hardest was Miguel Cotto,” Malignaggi stated. “It was ridiculously hard, and it’s not even close to anyone else. Others were underrated.”

Miguel Cotto: A Formidable Opponent

The encounter with Miguel Cotto took place in 2006 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. The bout was a grueling test for Malignaggi, who faced relentless pressure from Cotto. The Puerto Rican fighter, known for his powerful punches and aggressive style, dropped Malignaggi in the second round and inflicted significant damage throughout the fight.

“Porter obviously had a big KO of me, but Miguel Cotto was the hardest puncher. He was insanely difficult on so many levels, luckily I was faster than him so I was able to keep it competitive.” — Paulie Malignaggi

Despite sustaining a series of injuries, including a cut above his eye and a fractured cheekbone, Malignaggi managed to survive until the final bell. However, the judges awarded the victory to Cotto, marking one of the toughest nights in Malignaggi’s career.

Legacy and Reflections

Reflecting on his career, Malignaggi acknowledges the indelible impact of his fight with Cotto. “What a fighter, a really tough night, and it is a memory that will stay with me for good and bad reasons,” he remarked. The bout with Cotto not only tested Malignaggi’s resilience but also highlighted the skill and determination of both fighters.

Malignaggi’s career has been marked by numerous memorable moments, including his clash with Ricky Hatton in 2008, where he was stopped in a brutal encounter. His sparring sessions with Conor McGregor also garnered significant attention, especially after footage showed McGregor dropping him during a session.

Return to Combat Sports

Although Malignaggi retired from professional boxing in 2017 after a defeat against Sam Eggington, he has announced a return to combat sports. The ‘Magic Man’ has signed a three-fight deal with the bare-knuckle boxing promotion BKB, which will be broadcast live on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube channel.

Malignaggi recently offered McGregor a huge ‘winner takes all’ bout in bare-knuckle boxing, signaling his readiness to re-enter the ring with renewed vigor.

This development follows a trend of retired boxers seeking new challenges in the burgeoning bare-knuckle boxing scene. As Malignaggi prepares for his return, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his skills translate to this raw and unforgiving format.

As the combat sports world anticipates Malignaggi’s comeback, his storied career continues to be a testament to the enduring appeal and drama of boxing. Whether facing legendary opponents or venturing into new arenas, Malignaggi remains a compelling figure in the sport.