Former world boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi made a triumphant return to competitive fighting, defeating Tyler Goodjohn via split decision in an electrifying bareknuckle boxing match at Planet Ice Leeds on Saturday night. The five-round bout marked Malignaggi’s first officially sanctioned fight since 2019, showcasing his skill and resilience in the unique triangle-shaped ring of BKB.
Malignaggi, the 44-year-old Brooklyn native and former junior welterweight titleholder, leveraged his superior footwork, precise punching, and tactical distance control to outmaneuver the hard-hitting Goodjohn. Despite absorbing significant blows, including a powerful left hook in the first round and a staggering right cross in the fourth, Malignaggi’s disciplined approach and high-volume striking earned him the nod from the judges with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 47-48.
Speaking in the ring after having his arm raised, Paulie Malignaggi, said:
“I had to tough it out. Tyler was taking no prisoners tonight. I started out good, but he started coming on very very strong. After that eye poke, I’m still blind in this [right] eye. Maybe that’s why I got cut. I finished the fight with one eye. I could just see shadows.”
“We worked a lot. We did a lot of not just strength training, but nervous system training based on motion and strength to prepare for camp and boxing. At my age, I didn’t want to just go back into boxing. That was a really big asset for me, because it prepared me for the rhythm, prepared my core, and when I started boxing – really allowed me to get the best out of myself.”
“I’m here for a good time, not a long time. I’d like to get a title shot after this with BKB. Nothing satisfies me more than accomplishment. It is bigger than money. I made weight a lot easier than I anticipated. With a bit more push I could box at 147. I’d like to get the belt at 154, then become champion at 147.”
“Anyone making money in bare knuckle fighting owes it to Tyler Goodjohn. That’s why he was choosing over other schmucks calling me out.”
Goodjohn, a seasoned bareknuckle fighter from Britain with a 5-4 (1 KO) record, brought relentless pressure and landed several heavy shots, but couldn’t match Malignaggi’s technical finesse. The fight was not without flair, as both fighters engaged in theatrical moments – Malignaggi taunting with a matador-like pose after dodging a wild punch, and Goodjohn goading his opponent by lounging on the ropes with a grin.
Malignaggi, who retired from professional boxing in 2017 after a 36-8 (7 KOs) career, proved he still has plenty to offer in the bareknuckle arena. His only prior bareknuckle bout was a decision loss to Artem Lobov in 2019 under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship banner. This victory improves his bareknuckle record to 1-1 and signals his intent to remain a force in the sport.
The undercard at Planet Ice Leeds delivered a series of electrifying performances. Reigning BKB Super Cruiserweight Champion Marko Martinjak, known as “The Emperor of Bare Knuckle,” became BKB’s second two-division champion by capturing the Bridgerweight title with a devastating first-round knockout of Dan Podmore. Leeds’ own Scott McHugh earned his 15th bareknuckle victory, stopping former Commonwealth Games medalist Joe Fitzpatrick with a hard-fought second-round knockout. Alex Wilson made quick work of Danny Worsfold, securing a first-round knockout with a punishing body shot. Aaron McCallum added to his impressive resume, claiming his eighth bareknuckle win with a first-round knockout of Liam Howell. Reece Murray returned to winning ways, stopping Jack Dugdale via third-round TKO. In a Super Middleweight clash, Ryan Gibbs emerged victorious, defeating Chris Carroll with a third-round TKO.
The preliminary bouts were equally action-packed. Jordan Ward defeated Pat Nash by TKO at the end of the second round. In a battle of bareknuckle newcomers, Omari Grant and Marshall Fuery fought to a 38-38 unanimous draw. Fruqan Cheema overcame an early knockdown to edge out Patryk Fornalski by split decision. Spain’s Victoria Albons Llompart impressed in her bareknuckle debut, stopping Nicaragua’s Jamillette Vallejos with a fourth-round TKO.
