Paulie Malignaggi has never been one to shy away from a challenge — or a headline. The former world boxing champion proved as much again on Saturday night, returning to competition at 44 years old and surviving a bruising five-round war with British brawler Tyler Goodjohn in Leeds. The bout, held inside BKB’s signature triangle ring at Planet Ice, saw Malignaggi edge a split decision in what was his first sanctioned fight since 2019. But beyond the result, it was the manner of his return — bloodied, one-eyed, and still showboating — that reminded fans why the “Magic Man” remains one of combat sport’s great characters. “I had to tough it out,” Malignaggi said after the win, his face marked by a deep gash under the right eye. “Tyler was taking no prisoners tonight. I started good, but he came on strong. After that eye poke, I was fighting blind in one eye — I could only see shadows.” The New Yorker’s technical footwork and veteran poise carried him through the chaos. Even when caught by looping hooks and right hands, Malignaggi found ways to control distance, pop the jab, and frustrate Goodjohn, who was unable to break him down completely. What made the performance stand out wasn’t dominance — it was durability. Malignaggi absorbed punishment in a way he rarely had to during his slick boxing career. For a fighter once known for avoiding the trenches due to an ongoing battle with brittle hands, this was a war fought out of sheer pride. Malignaggi Eyes Titles, Defies Critics After years of dismissing the idea of ever fighting again, Malignaggi’s decision to return has reignited interest in veterans crossing into bare-knuckle competition. “I’m here for a good time, not a long time,” he added. “I’d like to get a title shot after this. Nothing satisfies me more than accomplishment — it’s bigger than money. I want that belt at 154, and maybe I’ll drop to 147 for another one.” The win takes Malignaggi to 1-1 in bare-knuckle competition following his 2019 defeat to Artem Lobov under the BKFC banner. But it’s the brutality of the comeback that has drawn both admiration and criticism. Malignaggi, ever defiant, doesn’t seem to care. He plans to keep going, eye patch or not. “Anyone making money in bare-knuckle fighting owes it to Tyler Goodjohn,” he quipped. “That’s why he was chosen over other schmucks calling me out.” If Saturday night proved anything, it’s that Paulie Malignaggi has found a new ring to stir up — one with no gloves, no hiding places, and no regrets. 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.

For the first time in more than a decade, Deontay Wilder—the man who once ruled the WBC heavyweight division with unmatched knockout power—is at risk of being locked out of the title picture he once dominated. The World Boxing Council’s October rankings have dropped Wilder to 13th, a steep tumble from the 10th spot he held after his June stoppage of Tyrrell Herndon. The reason is simple: inactivity. Wilder’s comeback, originally penciled in for fall 2025, has been delayed. Promoter Shelly Finkel told WBN that Wilder was preparing for a return ahead of a massive 2026 showdown. But Finkel now signals a likely January or February return against an opponent that has yet to be confirmed. By that point, Wilder risks falling out of the WBC top 15 entirely—effectively closing the door on a voluntary title shot against reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk, which WBN understands the Ukrainian is considering before retirement. “I won’t get into speculating on Deontay’s next fight, but Eddie did reach out about the Dave Allen fight,” Finkel told WBN. “After Dave fights on October 11 and Deontay fights, we will see.” However, with Allen falling short against Makhmudov, that option appears dead. The big Russian himself, though, could now be a target, offering Wilder a path back into the heavyweight conversation. Current WBC Heavyweight Rankings 1 | Lawrence Okolie | GB | Silver 2 | Daniel Dubois | GB | 3 | Anthony Joshua | GB | 4 | Moses Itauma | GB | COMM *CBP/P 5 | Filip Hrgovic | Croatia | 6 | Efe Ajagba | Nigeria/US | 7 | Martin Bakole | Congo/GB | 8 | Frank Sanchez | Cuba | 9 | Zhilei Zhang | China | 10 | Bakhodir Jalolov | Uzbekistan | 11 | Richard Torrez Jr | US | NABF 12 | Guido Vianello | Italy | *CBP/P 13 | Deontay Wilder | US | 14 | Dereck Chisora | GB | 15 | Jared Anderson | US | Wilder’s slide underscores just how unforgiving the heavyweight division has become. Fighters like Jalolov, Torres, and Vianello have overtaken him simply by staying active, sharp, and fresh. With Usyk firmly in control and contenders like Joshua, Hrgovic, and Okolie jostling for position, any further delay could see Wilder fighting merely to maintain relevance in the rankings. Early Knockout Rampage Wilder first broke into the WBC Top 15 in December 2012, dispatching Kelvin Price via third-round knockout at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Between 2013 and 2014, he tore through the heavyweight division with a series of first-round stoppages, quickly becoming one of boxing’s most feared young heavyweights. The year 2013 opened with a win over Matthew Greer, quickly followed by a high-profile victory against Audley Harrison in Sheffield, England, dropping the former Olympic gold medalist in round one. Former world champion Siarhei Liakhovich fell in the opening round next, proving Wilder was as unstoppable as he was powerful. Knockouts over Nicolai Firtha and Malik Scott added to his momentum. Wilder capped this decisive run against Jason Gavern, forcing a fourth-round retirement after multiple knockdowns. In just over a year, six consecutive stoppages cemented his reputation as the WBC’s top challenger—a force the division could not ignore. Rise, Reign, and Recent Struggles After defeating Bermane Stiverne in early 2015, Wilder began a five-year reign as WBC champion—the most dominant in years since Vitali Klitschko—defending his belt multiple times with his trademark power. The 2020 dethronement at the hands of Tyson Fury marked the beginning of a decline, though Wilder remained the number one-ranked contender well past their trilogy. Only losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang pushed him down the ladder. Even after stopping Herndon, Wilder slides again from 10th to 13th. For a man once untouchable, staying active is no longer optional—it’s survival. Deontay Wilder Heavyweight Title Comeback The coming months are critical. A delayed return could render Wilder ineligible for a voluntary title shot, forcing him to climb the rankings from scratch. Staying sharp, active, and marketable is now as much about survival as it is about pride. With the likes of Torres, Jalolov, and Vianello ahead of him, the Bronze Bomber faces a race against time. For Wilder, the fight isn’t just in the ring anymore—it’s against the clock, against inactivity, and against a new generation of heavyweights eager to take his spot. 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.

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