Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship United Kingdom (BKFC UK) is the British branch of the American bare-knuckle boxing promotion Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). In September 2022, it was announced that Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship had formed Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship UK (BKFC UK) by acquiring the UK-based Bare Fist Boxing Association (BFBA).[1] As of August 2024, BKFC UK has held 8 events, all of which have taken place in England.
History
The United Kingdom is a significant market for modern bare-knuckle boxing, hosting prominent promotions such as Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB™) in Coventry, Bad To The Bone (BTTB) in Stoke-on-Trent, and Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing (UBKB) in Warrington.
Before acquiring the Bare Fist Boxing Association and officially establishing BKFC UK, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship made its debut in the United Kingdom with BKFC 27: London, which took place on 20 August 2022. The event was headlined by MMA veterans Mike Perry and Michael Page.[2]
Ring
BKFC UK hosts its matches in a distinctive circular four-rope ring, colloquially known as the "Squared Circle." The Squared Circle uniquely features two scratch lines, placed three feet apart at the center, a nod to the historic Broughton Rules (particularly the London Prize Ring Rules) that once governed 19th-century bare-knuckle fighting. A key rule mandates that fighters begin each round with their front foot on these scratch lines, a stance commonly referred to as "Toe the Line." This directive, coupled with the subsequent command "Knuckle Up," signals the start of each round. The ring’s design, including these traditional elements, not only pays homage to the sport's heritage but also significantly enhances its appeal within the realm of bare-knuckle boxing.[3]
First event
The inaugural BKFC UK event, BKFC Fight Night: Newcastle, was scheduled for 26 November 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne. The main event featured a BKFC heavyweight title eliminator between Mick Terrill of Newcastle and Thailand-based American fighter Steve ‘Panda’ Banks. The card also showcased notable matches such as Darren Hendry vs Anthony Holmes and Danny Christie vs Darren Godfrey Jr.[4][5][6][7] Melanie Shah also made history when she faced Sweden's Mathilda Wilson at the event by becoming both the first British female BKFC fighter and first female Muslim bare-knuckle boxer.[8][9][10]
BKFC UK 1 took place on 26 November 2022 at The Walker Activity Dome in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, drawing a full house of 1,700 spectators. The event featured a 10-fight card, with the initial three bouts streamed live on YouTube and the subsequent main card bouts available on the BKFC App. In the main event, local contender Mick Terrill faced Steve 'Panda' Banks in a BKFC Heavyweight title eliminator. Terrill was declared the winner after Banks was deemed unable to continue by the ringside doctor due to severe cuts around his eyes. The co-main event featured Darren Hendry and Anthony Holmes vying for the inaugural BKFC UK Cruiserweight title. Holmes clinched the knockout victory in the fourth round following a powerful strike to Hendry's nose. The event was also notable for the debut of Melanie Shah, the UK's first female Muslim fighter, who secured a split decision win against Sweden's Mathilda Wilson.[11]
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 40: Holmes vs. Christie was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 22 April 2023.[13]
Background
The event was initially scheduled to be headlined by welterweight bout between Elvin Brito and Jamie Cox, but the bout was cancelled after Cox withdrew.[citation needed]
Results
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 40: Holmes vs. Christie
BKFC 60 Milton Keynes: Lilley vs. Tenaglia was a bare-knuckle fighting event held by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on 6 April 2024.
Background
The event featured three title fights and was headlined by James Lilley against Franco Tenaglia for the first ever BKFC Lightweight European Championship. BKFC UK Light Heavyweight Champion Danny Christie defended his title against David Round. Gary Fox faced Ellis Shephard for the vacant BKFC UK Featherweight Championship.[14]
Results
BKFC 60 Milton Keynes: Lilley vs. Tenaglia[15][16]
Weight Class
Method
Round
Time
Notes
Lightweight 70 kg
Franco Tenaglia
def.
James Lilley
Decision (majority)
5
2:00
For the inaugural BKFC European Lightweight Championship. Judges' scorecards not read.
Light Heavyweight 84 kg
Danny Christie (c)
def.
David Round
TKO
1
1:38
For the BKFC UK Light Heavyweight Championship.
Featherweight 66 kg
Ellis Shepherd
def.
Gary Fox
Decision (unanimous)
5
2:00
For the vacant BKFC UK Featherweight Championship. 49-46, 49-46, 49-46.
