Retired professional boxer Paulie Malignaggi admits he now respects UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor, but not necessarily for his fighting skills.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Malignaggi says he respects McGregor for his worth ethic and everything he has accomplished in his life.
Malignaggi was brought in to spar with McGregor, while the UFC champion is training for his professional boxing debut. Later this month, McGregor is scheduled to fight Floyd “Money” Mayweather.
“It makes me respect McGregor to see his work ethic that he’s put into the training camp,” Malignaggi said. “Seeing him work hard every day and see that he’s really determined to upset the odds.”
“When you talk to Conor, at first I started thinking this guy doesn’t really think he’s going to win this, it’s just a $100 million fight for him,” Malignaggi said. “Then when you really start to talk to him, you start to realize that this guy really believes it down deep inside his heart and he’s got every reason to, because every time he’s been doubted in his life he has been able to overcome those odds and win, no matter what it is.”
Mayweather vs. McGregor will take place Aug. 26 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
