The 36 year-old shared eight rounds with the UFC champion as McGregor prepares to face Floyd Mayweather on August 26 in what will be the MMA competitor’s first ever boxing match.
Obviously taking some decent shots from the Irishman, a bruised Malignaggi told Brett Okamoto of ESPN McGregor had some moments during their shared ring experience.
“He’s got some pop in the left hand, I can’t take that away from him,” Malignaggi said.
“In boxing, especially against a guy like Floyd Mayweather, you need to devise a few more weapons, and I think that’s what Conor is working on. I think coming into this situation already knowing Conor has a big left hand, you’re probably going to prepare for that left hand.
“Obviously, Conor is working on other things besides the left hand, so there can be that surprise element to it. There’s going to be other things he needs to make you worry about, and that’s what’s being worked on in camp. He’s effective at what he’s doing.
“I think (he’s) definitively an underdog, but he has a method to what he’s doing and he has a thinking process behind it.
“This is a fight of moments, and I think he can give himself certain moments.
“If those moments turn into bigger moments, that’s not up to me. That’s up to Conor McGregor,” he added.
Malignaggi hasn’t fought since March when losing to Sam Eggington in the UK but is still a widely respected figure in the sport due to his exceptional career and knowledgeable commentary.
The two fighters have already agreed to share several more rounds over the next few weeks.
