Paulie Malignaggi says he now respects Conor McGregor

Paulie Malignaggi has a new found respect for UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor after getting some time in the gym with the Irish superstar.

Malignaggi was brought into McGregor’s camp for sparring and the former boxing champion also got to see “The Notorious” and his work ethic in the gym, which Malignaggi says changed his outlook on him.

“It makes me respect McGregor to see his work ethic that he’s put into the training camp. Seeing him work hard every day and see that he’s really determined to upset the odds,” Malignaggi told Sky Sports.

“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 dollar fight for him.

“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.”

Malignaggi added that McGregor could surprise Mayweather especially in the beginning of their fight as his style and timing isn’t that of a traditional boxer.

“Conor is the kind of guy who is going to come with a different style.

“Timing wise it makes it a little bit different to time. I’m not going to say difficult to time, because you can get a timing on him, but at first glance you are not going to get a look that you’re accustomed to and then depending on him, his aggression, his non-aggression, because Conor has different methods of executing his little game-plans that he has.”

on 7/31/2017.