Saturdays Bare Knuckle Boxing fight between Malignaggi and Lobov is almost upon us. If he breaks his hand does Paulie has the toughness to fight to the finish , or will he use it as a way out?
Paulie could still beat Lobov with one hand. A C-grade domestic British Welterweight would absolutely destroy Lobov in stand-up fighting intoxicated.
I agree with you if this were a boxing match. Here is a description of some the differences between boxing and bareknuckle fighting: The fights will take place in a 22-foot diameter circle ring, with three ropes. In the center of the ring is an 8-foot circle where the fighters will begin the fight and start every additional round. The format is punching only strikes allowed, no knees, elbows, or kicks. They will be allowed to clinch and “Dirty Boxing” if you will is also allowed. Fighters will be able to throw punches in the open clinch or in a Muay Thai style clinch that includes grabbing the back of the neck.
The biggest difference is the talent pool. So far BKF is nothing but rejects and retirees from other sports that are lucky to be ranked top 30.
Isnt Bobby Gunn a former champion bareknuckle fighter? Paulie should stretch this guy no problem. He also showed plenty of toughness throughout his career. He took horrific beatings from Hatton and Cotto and never kicked it in, the ref had to save him from himself both times.
If Artem can close the distance and effectively use Mauy Thai clinches to his advantage it could make things interesting. This fight is intriguing because of how well Paulie is expected to perform against an overmatched opponent. Can he live up to the expectations?
He may have gotten soft in his old age and the fact he has a cushy TV job, but prime Paulie was tough as nails. He took severe beatings from Hatton, Cotto and even Khan and the ref had to step in
The only way Paulie gets closer to making a fight with Mcgregor is if he impresses. Getting a decision in a close fight won't do it. He has to brutalize and taunt Artem which seems totally in character for him.
I hope Paulie one-punches him. Range jab, single right hand, fight over. No bloody hands, no bruised face on either. Nothing. People go home upset and bare knuckle doesn't show up on the boxing headlines for another three years (when Gunn won it, then when Rosado did it, now this... approx a 3 year cycle!).