BKB Creating Developmental System to Help Fighters With Bare
The Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) promotion is launching a developmental system featuring hybrid gloved events to prepare younger fighters for bare-knuckle competition. This initiative aims to transition athletes earlier in their careers rather than relying solely on veterans from other combat sports.
Why it matters
This represents a strategic shift in the growing bare-knuckle combat industry to build long-term talent pipelines and improve the sport's legitimacy.
The BKB is looking to continue growing the sport of bare-knuckle boxing through its own developmental system.
As the sport continues to gain steam, the BKB is one of many bare-knuckle promotions signing notable former boxers and MMA fighters. The success of such fighters is notable, but many are making the move late in their athletic careers after extended runs in other sports.
BKB President Mike Vazquez now wants to see younger fighters make the move into his promotion earlier in their careers. To expedite that process, Vazquez wants to host hybrid boxing events with smaller gloves for fighters to compete in before competing in bare-knuckle.
"We are developing hybrid gloved events to help develop younger fighters before they move on to bare-knuckle," Vazquez said, via IFL TV . "More big names from both boxing and MMA will be announced in the coming weeks."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in