Paulie Malignaggi dismisses Conor Benn as a big name or future world champion

Paulie Malignaggi reacts to Conor Benn's shock move to Zuffa Boxing

Two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi spoke to Betsson about Conor Benn's shock move from Matchroom to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.

The 45-year-old shared his thoughts on the surprise announcement, "I‘m curious. I don't know how long the deal is. Is it an extended deal or a two, three fight deal? I don’t know the details.

"I mean it's business, and I do think that Eddie Hearn had played a big part in building Conor Benn. But if it's just a one fight deal then maybe everything can happen [with Matchroom after] one fight. I’m not sure but if it is a one fight deal, who is this fight going to be against and how is it going to play out? It’ll be interesting to see.

"But, I mean, is Eddie wrong? I mean, I'm sure he was caught by surprise, but was Eddie wrong with what he said earlier in the week, that Zuffa is getting either guys that are a little bit in the past or guys who are just not good enough to cut it.

"Ultimately, I always give Conor Benn credit. I’ve always thought he is a good, entertaining fighter, but somebody who probably was never going to be world champion. So, I mean, Eddie's definition of what Zuffa is signing still kind of stands. Aside from Jai Opetaia, It's pretty much the standard so far.

"I don’t think Conor can win a world championship. Conor beat Eubank Jr. and  it was a big fight in the UK but in the US, they didn't move the needle, and even had they been brought up in the US, they wouldn’t have had a big fight in the US unless you are a YouTuber or have a profile like Ryan Garcia.

When asked if Conor Benn is a big name in America, Malignaggi instantly dismissed the Essex boxer, "No, he's known, I just don't think that he is looked at in high regard. And I think, personally, in my opinion, he could fight for a championship. He is good enough to be in those, I just don't think to win them."

Benn was quick to call out Ryan Garcia since his world title win last weekend, but its unclear if this fight will be made next, "The Conor Benn signing is a bit of a coup, so if you would be able to get Ryan Garcia also, and make that fight, even if it would be a one fight deal… you know what, it's funny that these contracts with Zuffa has caused some controversy, but if they're going to do these one fight contracts and make some really nice showdowns, it actually could be beneficial with the boxing. If they're going to do that as well."

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