Conor McGregor Adds Former Two-Time Boxing Champ Paulie Malignaggi As His Sparring Partner

UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor has added former two-time boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi as his sparring partner as he continues to prepare for his upcoming superfight against Floyd Mayweather.

Back in December, Malignaggi was one of the first boxers to criticize McGregror want to fight Mayweather in a boxing match with this video on Twitter

Don’t disrespect the sport of boxing… I’m going to knock the beard off you homie,””You are going to be apologizing for everything you have been trying to do to get into boxing.”

Despite Malignaggi’s trash talk, McGregor picked up the phone and asked him to be one of the his main sparring partners which impressed the retired boxer.

Via ESPN

“When he got his boxing license in California, I was one of the guys calling him out and talking crap. I admit that. So I was really surprised they called me. He’s putting his pride aside to maximize his opportunity to win this fight. They wanted me for my boxing ability and my boxing brain.”

Malignaggi feels like he can help McGregor get ready for Mayweather.

“I was a speed and reflex fighter, so is Floyd, so there’s that,” Malignaggi said. “I think they also picked me for my boxing brains and to give my two cents. If I’m there I’m there to help and do my part to improve him and get him ready for this big opportunity. I’d like to think there were several different reasons I was called. I am looking to make things happen for him.”

Picking up a veteran boxer like Malignaggi is a good move by Conor but in the end it’ll probably not make a difference.