Pauli Malignaggi knows a thing or two about big fights after having his fair share of them in his 44-bout career, and he believes that Conor McGregor can certainty take it to Floyd Mayweather when they meet on August 26 in Las Vegas.

The build up for the fight between the best boxer of his generation and the UFC champion has been ridiculed by many commentators due to the fact that McGregor has never had a boxing bout in his career.

However, Malignaggi, who was called into McGregor's camp to be a sparring partner for the Irishman, believes he has the ability to cause Mayweather some headaches on the night.

Sky Sports reported Malignaggi as saying: "I think you'd have to favour Mayweather, but Conor has been working on tactics and certain things that should give him moments in the fight and certain moments can become bigger moments.

"It's all about capitalising on moments that present themselves on fight night and only Conor can control that.

"Overall, looking at the big picture of course Mayweather is a big favourite - he's the guy that has been doing it for a lot longer.

"But he hasn't fought in two years which is a long lay-off.

"I think Conor can exploit the fact that the energy levels of the guy in front of him may not match Conor's because he has got more youth on his side."

Malignaggi, who held the IBF and WBA belts in his career, said he has really enjoyed his time sparring with McGregor and was able to find ways to fire up the 29-year-old.

"When I'm in the ring with him there is a lot of trash-talking, and there's a lot of theatrics, but I'm that kind of guy too, so it's been kind of fun.

"It's to get him in the zone. There's a lot of showboating that we both have been doing and a lot of cussing, it's just things you look to do get under each other's skin.

"He's a bit awkward but the sparring is also intense.

"It is work for a very big fight, so obviously the sparring has to be intense, and it was."

Mayweather and McGregor went on a promotional tour which was described as a 'circus', but Malignaggi said he understood the method behind the madness and said it was pure entertainment.

"For some people it was a bit too much in their face but for me this is how you promote a fight.

"People want to see some bad blood and some theatrics and I was satisfied with the promotional tour and it was entertaining."

We are just over a month away from the fight taking place.

Soon, the time for talk will be over, and two of the best fighters in combat sport's history will take to the ring and all that will matter is the result on the night.

While Mayweather will start the overwhelming favourite, it is certain that the wily Irishman will have a couple of aces up his sleeve.