The Artem Lobov-Paulie Malignaggi feud will come to a head on June 22 at BKFC 6.
It seems as everyone meant business with all the talk between Bare Knuckle, Artem Lobov, and Paulie Malignaggi. On June 22, the former boxing world champion, Paulie Malignaggi, will take on former UFC contender, Artem Lobov at BKFC 6. The fight will take place in New Hampshire.
👀 Paulie Malignaggi just slapped Artem Lobov at a media event for their BKB careers…
🎥 @ABboxingnews pic.twitter.com/7kD1vE6Q0D
— Darren Russell (@DarrenRussell_) April 2, 2019
Lobov and Malignaggi rivalry came to a boiling point ahead of Lobov’s fight at BKFC 5 against Jason Knight. The two were scheduled to face off for a photo op at a gym before the fight. Things got ugly and Malignaggi took offense to something Lobov said and slapped him in the face. A scuffle ensued and all of a sudden, fans were clamoring to see the two fighters go at it in the ring with no gloves.
Lobov is coming off of a war with Jason Knight in his debut. The two went out and gave fans everything they were hoping for and more at BKFC 5. Lobov ultimately got the decision win and will now face Paulie at BKFC 6.
Malignaggi hasn’t competed since March of 2017. He lost to Sam Eggington via eighth-round KO. Malignaggi won the IBF junior welterweight (140 lbs) and the WBA welterweight (147 lbs) world titles. After his career, Malignaggi attempted to help Conor McGregor ahead of his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather. The two didn’t have the same goals in mind which resulted in a feud between the two and a very aggressive sparring match.
Malignaggi has consistently called out McGregor since before the Mayweather fight. Seeing that Lobov is a longtime training partner of Conor’s, many speculate a fight between McGregor and Paulie should Paulie beat Artem at BKFC 6. Boxing or bare knuckle boxing is still up for debate.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 3, 2019
Lobov and Malignaggi aren’t the only two big names. Chris Leben, who also made his debut on BKFC 5, will be taking on Brennan Ward. Leben, former UFC, and Ward, former Bellator, will be throwing down on BKFC 6 as the co-main event.
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