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04th Aug 2017

Paulie Malignaggi quits Conor McGregor training camp after social media outburst

He was fuming

Patrick McCarry

Where did it all go wrong?

Paulie Malignaggi will not be sparring with Conor McGregor any more or lifting a finger to help him with his preparations for the August 26 bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The former world champion boxer engaged with McGregor in two intense sparring sessions in recent weeks – eight rounds and 12 rounds – and admitted both were tense. Malignaggi sported signs of damage after both sparring sessions but claimed he enjoyed the process immensely.

The American had initially held true to his vow not to share any information or tactics from the sparring sessions but his tune has changed.

Incensed by what he believes have been deliberate leaks [photos, videos and comments] from the McGregor camp to boost their man and make him look bad, Malignaggi has now claimed he soundly beat ‘The Notorious’ in their latest session.

Malignaggi took to Twitter late on Thursday night and went off on one about what he feels to be a skewed take on their sessions:

In total, there were six tweets that you can check out here. Malignaggi vowed not to help McGregor or his trainers any more but wished them well in a more restrained Instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXWzAcfgGwI/?hl=en&taken-by=paulmalignaggi

Some sceptics believe that the latest spat between McGregor and a high-profile boxer, and someone who works for Showtime, is all a publicity ruse but many well placed sources are adamant that the rift is real.

Another layer to what should be a fascinating event in Las Vegas later this month.

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