“Watching this video breaks my heart.” Paulie Malignaggi walked away victorious from his bare-knuckle clash with Tyler Goodjohn in BKB — but the physical toll was brutal. Cuts, swollen hands, broken ribs, and severe eye trauma left the Magic Man hospitalized.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman expressed deep concern.
“You are such a wonderful human being,” he said, highlighting the heavy price Malignaggi paid and adding further to his ‘heartbreak.’
Fighting Blind and Broken
Malignaggi revealed he fought with one eye virtually blind from the second round after a severe eye poke. Broken ribs from repeated kidney punches added to the punishment. Headbutts and fouls piled on, leaving him battered. Even seasoned fighters face serious danger in bare-knuckle bouts.
After the fight, he underwent scans and a CAT scan at Leeds General Hospital. Delays in treatment frustrated Malignaggi and raised questions about proper care.
Former British contender Frank Buglioni warned that such delays could affect recovery.
“Same thing I had in Manchester. I had to go to a private doctor at 3 a.m. to get stitched up. After 12 hours, an open wound won’t heal the same,” Buglioni said, comparing Malignaggi’s ordeal to his previous experience of seeking private care late at night.
Actor and fitness figure Martyn Ford echoed concerns about the UK healthcare system, calling it “broken.” He added that delays in care extend beyond hospitals.
Respect and Recovery
Despite his injuries, Malignaggi praised Goodjohn for a competitive fight. He also thanked fans for their support. Boxing legend James Toney sent get-well wishes, urging a speedy recovery.
Malignaggi’s ordeal underscores the extreme cost of bare-knuckle fighting. It proves that even experienced fighters are not immune. Prompt post-fight medical care is critical.
Allowing monetary concessions for private care is essential for professional athletes, especially those accustomed to the best medical support.
Fans are left asking: is bare-knuckle glory worth this brutal price?
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.