“This guy is so nervous he’s not going to know what to do when the bell rings.”
Paulie Malignaggi says Artem Lobov has got a case of the pre-fight jitters ahead of their highly anticipated bare knuckle grudge match at BKFC 6, and that ‘The Russian Hammer’ won’t know what to do when the opening bell rings on Saturday night.
Malignaggi, who is Lobov’s highest-profile opponent to date, sounded off on the former UFC featherweight at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference in Tampa.
“This is the biggest fight of his career and he only got here because he started with me. I’m going to finish it on Saturday,” Malignaggi said, per Martin Domin of The Mirror UK.
”I’m going to pummel this guy like he stole something. I’m going to teach him some manners. I’ve only been talking because of what his crew started.
”I don’t think there’s a lot to say that hasn’t already been said. This guy is so nervous he’s not going to know what to do when the bell rings.”
The former two-division boxing champ went on to criticize Lobov’s brutal BKFC debut against Jason Knight and said he looks forward to putting a beating on the SBG Ireland product in Florida.
“This is a growing sport and it was a pleasant surprise to find out the fight would be here in Florida,” Malignaggi continued. “I have a second home here and spend a lot of time in the state. It feels good to be competing here.
”I’m not impressed with Artem’s last fight in BKFC. I thought he blew the fight. I thought everyone would realize how bad he is. I’m definitely not second-guessing myself after seeing that performance.”
BKFC 6, which features Lobov vs. Malignaggi as the main event, takes place this Saturday, June 22 at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Florida.