Paulie Malignaggi Furious After Photo Leak; Quits as McGregor Sparring Partner

Former 2-division world champion and now boxing commentator Paulie Malignaggi quits as Conor McGregor boxing sparring and partner and was furious after sparring session photos leak.

 Malignaggi made it clear that the cause of the knock down was a push.

"I wanted to be part of this event, but I didn't want to become the story and that's what this has turned into," Malignaggi told ESPN. "I won't release any information about his game plan or what he's working on -- I wouldn't do that. But this has become a fiasco. It's a circus. And I do want that sparring video released. The UFC's PI definitely has that video. I understand it can't come out now, but Conor, if you have any balls, release what really happened."

"There was a pushdown yesterday. Conor on the inside, he can get a little rough. He shoved me down, you know, but no knockdowns. Obviously, 12 rounds, you're gonna see there's a mark on my face. Very, very hard work for both of us. I was starting to get in a groove in the middle rounds, starting to land some good shots. Conor really came on strong in the end. It was back and forth."

UFC Lightweight champion Conor McGregor hired Malignaggi last month as a sparring partner ahead of his fight with boxing superstar Conor McGregor on August 26th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Nevada.