Paulie Malignaggi is on the verge of joining an elite group of combat athletes, aiming to secure world championship titles in both traditional boxing and bare-knuckle boxing, a feat previously achieved by BKFC standout Austin Trout. This ambitious pursuit has generated significant buzz within the combat sports community, including from reigning BKB titleholders.
One such champion is Javon Wright, who is set to defend his BKB Police Gazette welterweight title against his long-standing rival, Dan Gittens. Their bout is scheduled as the co-main event at BKB 54: Mayhem in Manchester on May 16th. The evening’s main event features Malignaggi’s challenge for the BKB Bare Knuckle championship against the current titleholder, Rolando Dy.
When asked about the upcoming Malignaggi vs. Dy championship fight, Wright expressed his anticipation, stating to Bare Knuckle Bowker, “It’s definitely gonna be a good fight between both of them. Because I know Rolando and that’s my guy, but I know Paulie is a good fighter, too. So, it’s definitely gonna be fireworks in that fight. So, I’m actually looking forward to that fight after my fight, for sure.”
Javon Wright Eager to Witness Malignaggi’s Challenge: “I’m Definitely Sticking Around to Watch”
Wright confirmed his eagerness to watch the main event following his own fight, noting, “Oh, yeah. Of course. I’m definitely sticking around to watch that fight after my fight.”
Commenting on Malignaggi’s quest to replicate Austin Trout’s dual-sport championship success, Wright acknowledged Malignaggi’s accomplishments, telling Bare Knuckle Bowker, “Right. So, I mean, I can’t take nothing from it, man. Like you said, he was a champ in boxing, and then he got a chance to be a champ here in BKB. So, hey, I mean, we all going to find out Saturday if he up next or if Ronaldo [is] gonna retain his title.”