Paulie Malignaggi is returning to BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing despite his brutal first effort as he pursues a world title in a new sport.

For Brooklyn's Paulie Malignaggi, the road likely ends in the same place it started

The boxing legend retired from the ring in 2017, before entering into an infamous feud with Conor McGregor that summer. Ultimately, it led to him getting into BKFC, where he fought the Irishman’s then-best friend Artem Lobov.

He somehow lost that bout and decided to quit fighting altogether, save for an exhibition celebrity boxing bout with influencer Corey B in 2021. Then last year, he came back to face Tyler Goodjohn, showing his grit and toughness in a brutal victory.

Paulie Malignaggi sets May 18 BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing title fight in Manchester

After suffering a number of cuts and eye injuries in his fight with Tyler Goodjohn last year, one would have forgiven 45-year-old Paulie Malignaggi for giving up fighting for good. But he has instead opted to take a step up and go for a world title in what would be his second sport.

BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing will return to the UK on Saturday May 18, with Malignaggi headlining against Rolando Dy for the BKB super-welterweight world championship. Dy is the son of former world champion Rolando Navarrete and was a MMA champion who had a stint in the UFC.

“I proved I can still perform at this level, even through injury,” Malignaggi said in a statement. “Bare knuckle is raw and real, and I love it.

“Becoming a two-sport world champion would mean everything – it’s about legacy, not just another fight. Dy is tough, with that fighter’s bloodline and MMA background, but I’m ready to take the belt and make history.”

Dy then gave his thoughts, saying: “Paulie is a legend in boxing, but this is bare knuckle. I’ve fought the best in multiple sports, and I’ll defend my title the hard way. Manchester and the world will see why I’m the champion.”

And BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing CEO David Tetreault added: “Paulie has already shown he belongs in bare knuckle with his gutsy win over Tyler Goodjohn.

“This title fight against Rolando Dy is the perfect next chapter – two warriors with world-class pedigrees colliding in the Trigon. Fans are in for something special as Paulie chases that historic two-sport status.”

The event will be broadcast on TalkSPORT on the UK and Ireland, and will be shown on Vice TV and Telemundo in the United States.