Manchester, United Kingdom – BKB Bare Knuckle have today announced a major world title event to take place in Manchester on Saturday 16th May 2026, as Paulie Malignaggi faces reigning champion Rolando Dy for the BKB Super Welterweight World Championship. The event will be broadcast live on talkSPORT in the UK and Ireland, and Vice TV and Telemundo in the US.
The Magic Man is back and aiming higher than ever. Former two-division boxing world champion Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, who held the IBF junior welterweight and WBA welterweight titles during his storied gloved career, is set to challenge for bare knuckle glory after a successful debut in the sport under BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing.
BKB CEO David Tetreault said: “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.”
Fresh off a gritty split decision victory over tough veteran Tyler Goodjohn in October 2025 at BKB 47 in Leeds, Malignaggi displayed his trademark technical boxing skills, high-volume punching, and resilience. He rolled back the years with a classy performance, outworking his opponent despite suffering a severe eye injury from a poke that left him fighting nearly blind in one eye for parts of the bout, along with cuts requiring stitches and other wear-and-tear. Malignaggi fought through the adversity to claim the win, proving his adaptability to the no-gloves, triangular “Trigon” ring and the raw intensity of bare knuckle.
Despite the injury challenges, Malignaggi enjoyed the experience immensely, calling it a rejuvenating return to competition after years as a commentator and analyst. He now wants to pioneer further in bare knuckle, aspiring to become the first fighter to claim world titles in both gloved boxing and BKB bare knuckle – a historic two-sport achievement.
BKB World Title Challenger Paulie Malignaggi said: “I proved I can still perform at this level, even through injury. 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.”
He faces a massive step up next. On May 16th in Manchester, Malignaggi will challenge for the BKB Super Welterweight World Title against reigning champion Rolando Dy. The Filipino standout, son of former WBC Super Featherweight World Champion Rolando Navarrete, brings a dangerous blend of experience from MMA (including UFC, Brave CF, and a former Abu Dhabi Warriors featherweight title) and bare knuckle success. Dy has proven his power and durability in BKB, making this a high-stakes clash between a boxing legend transitioning to bare knuckle and a multi-discipline veteran defending his crown.
Rolando Dy, BKB Super Welterweight World Champion, said:“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.”
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