BKB 3: “From Bare-Knuckle To Big Knockout”

On August 16th the concept/sport known as BKB: “Big Knockout Boxing” emerged on one of Boxing’s marquee stages as it presented BKB 3 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since BKB 2 last December the concept underwent a slight revamp that accompanied a name change from a modern form of bare-knuckle Boxing. The specially designed bare-knuckle Boxing gloves that were implemented in the first two cards in the brief history of BKB were replaced by traditional Boxing gloves that weighed between eight and ten ounces depending on the weight class in which a fight is taking place.

There was also another slight change from the original concept for BKB 3 in that the use of open scoring was not used during this card. Prior to BKB 3 I discussed how the benefits that the slight revamp of the original concept will probably benefit BKB going forward. Although I was not aware prior to this card that open scoring would not be used, I did not find it surprising.

In traditional Boxing after all the concept of open scoring is not universally used and along with the potential for BKB to be licensed in more states due to adapting the use of traditional Boxing gloves, something that will also possibly benefit BKB is adapting to a non-open scoring format. Although it has undergone a revamp, it did not change the concept or the intention behind BKB. That is to provide entertaining, action-packed bouts.

Nine fights were presented on this card ranging from Jr. Welterweight division to the Heavyweight division. As was the case in the first two BKB cards, the fights taking place inside of the BKB pit instead of a traditional 20 x 20 Boxing ring and two minute rounds ensured for a quick pace for all of the bouts that took place. As I have stated in my previous coverage of the first two cards under the BKB format, the pit, which measures seventeen feet in diameter and 227 square feet is tailor-made for fighters who like to fight on the inside. Even though the pit does ensure a quick pace and less of a feeling out process, there is certainly Boxing skill involved and this format does not necessarily strictly benefit fighters who are brawlers.

The night’s action got underway with a Heavyweight bout between Julian Pollard and Boban Simic. Pollard’s longer reach, jab, and combination punching were the story of this fight as he was able to keep Simic, who was unable to get on the inside at distance. The accumulation of punishment gradually broke down Simic and forced a stoppage of the fight in round three. This fight was a great example of how Boxing skill is still needed in a unique format such as BKB.

In an exciting Middleweight bout where both fighters suffered knockdowns Lekan Byfield scored a five round unanimous decision over Don Mouton. Byfield’s ability to be first with his punches and outbox Mouton led him to victory. Mouton however, did have his moments throughout and it would not surprise me to see the two meet again at a future BKB card.

In the Jr. Welterweight division a rematch of a fight that took place in April of this year in a traditional Boxing ring, Herbert Acevedo avenged his six round split decision loss to Raul Tovar. Acevedo dropped Tovar twice in the second round and finished him off with a right hook to the body in round three. Also, in the Jr. Welterweight division, Gabe Deluc overcame a knockdown where his glove touched the floor in round four to score a five round majority decision over Kendo Castaneda.  Excluding the knockdown in the fourth round, I felt Deluc outworked Castaneda throughout much of this fight and won the fight convincingly. Castaneda however, was quite “Game” and nearly got himself back into position to win the fight by scoring the knockdown.

In a Jr. Middleweight bout, Khurshid Abdullaev implemented a steady attack to the body and head of Ricardo Pinell to score a five round unanimous decision. Pinell was knocked down in the fifth round from accumulated punishment, but did survive the round.

In the first rematch in BKB history David Estrada won a hard-fought seven round unanimous decision over Eddie Caminero to win the BKB Jr. Middleweight championship. Much like the first encounter at BKB 2 last December, Estrada and Caminero engaged in a toe to toe battle. Unlike the first fight however, it was Estrada who was victorious in the rematch dropping Caminero in round six and scoring two knockdowns of Caminero in round seven to secure the win.

Much as I felt following BKB 2, the fight between Estrada and Caminero was the fight of the night. It was a grueling back and forth battle between two extremely “Game” fighters that was close for a good majority of the fight. Following BKB 3 I commented on Twitter that I would not be shocked to see a third fight between the two at BKB 4 coming up in the fall. With each fighter holding a victory over the other in this format and with the excitement and competitiveness that took place in those two fights, a third fight seems logical. It would also not shock me if a third bout between the two were to headline the next BKB card if the fight can be made.

In a fight for the BKB Welterweight championship Javier Garcia overcame a bad cut he suffered as a result of an accidental clash of heads in round three to knockout Darnell Jiles in round five. Despite suffering the cut, Garcia was the aggressor during this fight and brought the fight to Jiles.  The end came when Garcia dropped Jiles with a straight left hand. Although he got up from the knockdown, the fight was stopped as Jiles was not able to continue.

In a fight for the BKB Cruiserweight championship Anthony Johnson scored a seven round split decision over Dimar Ortuz. Johnson was penalized a point in the first round for hitting Ortuz while he was down on the floor of the pit as a result of a slip. Johnson however, scored a knockdown of Ortuz in round three and was the effective aggressor throughout. Although I felt that Johnson won this fight clearly and did not see it as closely as the official judges did, they had the right fighter winning this fight. 

The main event of this card was a fight for the BKB Middleweight championship between top contenders Bryan Vera and Gabriel Rosado. This fight brought together two fighters who I feel are perfect from a stylistic standpoint for the BKB format. Both fighters have aggressive styles and throw punches at a high volume. This was a fight that had action written all over it when it was announced and it did not disappoint.

The fight began with both fighters being more than willing to engage each other. I felt that Vera had a slight edge in what was a close first round due to his combination punching. Rosado however, was able to come on strong at the end of the round.

Both fighters scored knockdowns of each other in round three. As the fight progressed however, Rosado began to find a home for his right hand on Vera and was able to land the right hand almost at will while Boxing effectively from the outside. Although Vera remained aggressive, he did not have an answer for Rosado’s right hand.

It would be a right hand that would end Vera’s night in round six as Rosado landed flush on the face of Vera sending him face down on the floor of the pit. Vera gamely made it to his feet, but was not steady on his feet and the fight was promptly stopped.

The Jr. Middleweight bout between Carson Jones and Said El Harrak that was scheduled to take place on this card was cancelled. Jones, who did weigh-in for the fight the day prior to the card announced his retirement prior to the card taking place.

I came away from BKB 3 feeling that the concept is indeed growing and that it should be considered a win for all involved. Although there is still some confusion as to whether or not fights that are fought under the BKB rules and format will eventually be recognized as official professional fights by Boxing record keepers or if BKB is establishing itself as a league of the sport that is a separate entity, one thing is clear.

BKB is growing and now having been presented to it’s biggest pay-per-view audience and taking center stage in Las Vegas in front of a crowd of nearly 3000 spectators at the Mandalay Bay’s Events Center, the future is looking bright. With BKB 4 being planned for sometime in the fall, I eagerly await the next chapter in this evolving concept.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

 

A Look At BKB 3

In 2013 the unique concept known simply as BKB made it’s inception.  The concept of BKB introduced a modernized version of Boxing in it’s original form Bare-Knuckle Boxing with the use of specially designed Boxing gloves with the knuckles being exposed inside the glove.  What also made the BKB concept truly unique was the area where all fights in BKB are fought. The fighting area known simply as the “BKB Pit.”

The BKB Pit unlike a traditional 20x20 Boxing ring has no ropes measuring seventeen feet in diameter and 227 square feet. In it’s brief history the BKB Pit has ensured for entertaining bouts. In addition to the fighting area where all fights in BKB are fought, also implemented was the use of two minute rounds.  The format of BKB from the pit, to shorter rounds than a traditional three minute round has made the concept of BKB fan friendly. In addition to rounds lasting two minutes in duration, BKB also features an open scoring format in that official scores are announced at the end of each round to the fighters and the crowd in attendance. All fights in BKB are scored using the traditional 10-point must system. In covering the first two BKB cards I expressed my opinion that the concept of BKB has the potential to grow, discussed similarities between where BKB is currently, and where the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) was when it debuted in the United States in the early 1990s.

Much as the sport of MMA evolved over a period of time from essentially no holds barred fighting to it’s current form, so too is the concept of BKB.  How is it evolving?  Beginning with the third BKB card, which will take place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night August 16th, BKB will no longer be using the knuckle exposed gloves that were used in the first two BKB cards. Traditional Boxing gloves will be used weighing between eight and ten ounces depending on the weight class in which a fight takes place.  The change to the use of regular Boxing gloves has also resulted in a name change for this concept. Although the initials will remain the same BKB will now be known as Big Knockout Boxing.

Although some may be critical of the decision of BKB to use traditional Boxing gloves, this observer applauds those behind BKB.  Whenever there is a new concept or a would be new sport put into practice there are two major things that those behind the concept/new sport will have to contend with. Beginning with the initial reaction of the public who you want to support the concept/sport and as well the necessity of regulation by state athletic commissions. 

 

Although BKB originally used knuckle exposed gloves and even though there were no major injuries in the first two cards with use of those gloves, the concept needed to evolve.  An obvious benefit of using traditional Boxing gloves going forward will likely be that BKB will be able to be licensed in more states by athletic commissions.  This would open the door for BKB to be able to stage more cards per year. As was the case with the sport of MMA, once changes in the format of the sport were made and state athletic commissions gradually began regulating the sport, it allowed MMA to grow into a global powerhouse.  There is no denying that MMA has not only become one of the most popular combat sports, but also throughout all of sports.

An argument can be made that by adapting the use of traditional Boxing gloves into the BKB concept that it will allow BKB to grow and not face the struggle that MMA has faced in regard to licensing and regulation in many states. Another benefit could be the potential to attract more boxers due to using the same Boxing gloves that are used in traditional Boxing rings.  The main event of BKB 3 is a good example.  Top Middleweight contender Bryan Vera will face former two-time world title challenger Gabriel Rosado in a bout for the BKB Middleweight championship. 

Both Vera and Rosado have garnered significant attention in recent times due to each of their efforts against top level opposition. Many will remember Vera for his losses against former WBC Middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Many observers, this one included felt that Vera won the first fight, but did not get the decision. Despite losing to Chavez a second time earlier this year, Vera’s aggressive style has won him the respect of both Boxing fans and experts.  

Much like Bryan Vera, Gabriel Rosado has a similar style in that he is aggressive and throws punches at a high volume. Recently while discussing the upcoming BKB card on Twitter I stated that this fight has action written all over it. When you take into account that this fight will not be held in a traditional Boxing ring, but will instead take place under the BKB format in the Pit, which is tailor-made for fighters who like to fight on the inside and due to the narrow space, the Pit does not favor fighters who like to use lateral movement.  There is no doubt in my mind given both fighters style and willingness to let their hands go that this could be the fight of the night.

Vera vs. Rosado headlines a seven bout card.  Also featured on this card is a rematch from BKB 2 for the BKB Jr. Middleweight championship between Eddie Caminero and longtime Welterweight and Jr. Middleweight contender David Estrada in what is the first rematch in BKB history.  In the first fight Caminero and Estrada engaged in a toe to toe battle where each fighter had their moments.  Caminero earned a hard fought unanimous decision.  It will be interesting to see if Estrada can reverse roles with Caminero in the rematch. 

Other fights on this card include:

Anthony Johnson vs. Dimar Ortuz for the BKB Cruiserweight championship

Javier Garcia vs. Darnell Jiles for the BKB Welterweight championship

Ricardo Pinell vs. Khurshid Abduliaev

Carson Jones vs. Said El Harrak

Kendo Castaneda vs. Gabe Duluc

An encouraging sign of the growth of BKB along with the adaptation of traditional Boxing gloves is that BKB 3 will be the first BKB card to be carried on pay-per-view in the United States by both cable and satellite providers for a price of $29.95. Previously BKB was only televised via pay-per-view exclusively to subscribers of United States television provider DirecTV.  Although BKB has done a slight revamp in adapting traditional Boxing gloves and undergoing a name change, the concept/sport has in it’s brief history thus far in it’s first two cards delivered on what it has promised. To provide entertaining, action-packed bouts. 

 

For those of us who have witnessed the birth of a new concept/sport we have been thoroughly entertained. It is not often that a writer and historian such as myself is given the opportunity to cover a sport from the beginning concept. This sport has great potential to grow and now will be presented to wider audience as more Boxing media outlets will be covering this event. I welcome you all with enthusiasm.  BKB 1 and 2 provided tremendous action and excitement.

I have no reason to expect anything different for BKB 3.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

For more information about BKB: Big Knockout Boxing and a list of cable and satellite providers carrying BKB 3: Vera vs. Rosado please visit: www.bkb.tv 

 

 

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What’s Next For Jacobs, Peterson, And Garcia?

On August 9th the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York played host to a Boxing card, which was headlined by a tripleheader that may produce some interesting storylines in the future.  Although some might feel the card headlined by Jr. Welterweight world champions Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson competing in separate bouts, and top Middleweight contender Daniel Jacobs, fighting for interim/regular champion status in the WBA’s Middleweight ratings did not provide much in the way of competition for the aforementioned headliners, it did serve as a showcase of what might lead to some interesting fights for all three.

The Middleweight fight on this card pitted WBA number four rated contender Daniel Jacobs facing the number two contender Jarrod Fletcher in a bout to determine interim/regular champion status in the WBA ratings. Jacobs was very impressive in this fight as he controlled the tempo of the fight from the outset and scored knockdowns in rounds one and five to earn a stoppage in the fifth round.

Jacobs now finds himself as one of three fighters who hold some form of champion status as recognized by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in the Middleweight division. The current unified WBA/IBO world champion is Gennady Golovkin, while Jacobs and WBA number one contender Dmitry Chudinov each hold interim/regular status. Ironically both Jacobs and Chudinov fought for their status on the same day as Chudinov scored a third round knockout of the WBA number twelve rated contender Medhi Bouadla in Crimea, Russia.

Readers may recall following Gennady Golovkin’s recent title defense over Daniel Geale when I briefly discussed these two fights for interim/regular status as to whether or not the two fights would lead to the two winners facing off to determine a mandatory challenger for Golovkin. It still remains to be seen. Jacobs however, did state after his win over Fletcher that he would like to face current WBO champion Peter Quillin in what would be a very interesting fight and an encounter that would generate significant interest in New York where both fighters are based.

The political landscape of the sport and designations of interim/regular champion status by the WBA notwithstanding, Daniel Jacobs is very much a player in a talent stacked Middleweight division and poses an interesting challenge for anyone in the division whether they be a world champion or a top contender. With the deep depth that the Middleweight division has to offer, there are certainly several options on the table for Jacobs going forward if a fight with Gennady Golovkin or Dmitry Chudinov is not in his immediate future.

The other potential fight that might be made in the future coming out of last weekend’s card could be a unification bout between Jr. Welterweight world champions Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson. Peterson successfully defended his IBF world title on this card with a tenth round stoppage of number thirteen rated IBF contender Edgar Santana. Peterson’s solid attack to the body and head and higher offensive output were simply too much for the challenger who could not find a way to nullify Peterson’s consistent pressure and offense. Despite the “Game” effort of Santana, the fight was justly stopped by Ringside physician Dr. Bobby Jordan shortly before the conclusion of round ten.

With the win Peterson has now won five out of his last six fights with a defeat coming at the hands of top contender Lucas Matthysse, who stopped Peterson in three rounds in a non-title bout last year. Peterson however, has rebounded from that defeat with two successful title defenses and has now successfully defended his title three times overall. 

Peterson’s counterpart the unified WBC/WBA Jr. Welterweight world champion Danny Garcia closed the show on this card in devastating fashion scoring three knockdowns of contender Rod Salka in round two to score the knockout in a non-title bout. Much as is the case with Daniel Jacobs, there are several options that could be on the table for both Peterson and Garcia coming out of this card.

The 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division much like the 160lb. Middleweight division is a weight class that has plenty of depth with several names including three-division world champion Adrien Broner, Hank Lundy, Lucas Matthysse, Humberto Soto, Mauricio Herrera, and Ruslan Provodnikov just to name a few. In the opinion of this observer however, a fight to further unify the Jr. Welterweight division between Garcia and Peterson makes sense, with the recently newly crowned WBO champion Chris Algieri moving up in weight to challenge Manny Pacquiao for the WBO Welterweight world championship in November.

Although Jacobs, Peterson, and Garcia were dominant in their respective bouts last weekend and, despite the opinion of some that perhaps the fights were mismatches, fight cards that serve as a showcase for world champions and rising stars can set up potential lucrative fights down the road, assuming of course that the headliners are successful in winning their bouts. There is after all a reason why fights take place. Even though there was nothing that emerged out of this card that would prevent any of the three from potentially securing big money fights down the road, even when fights are meant to be a “Showcase” or a “Tune-Up” there is always the potential for an upset. 

As I have often said over the years “Anything can happen at any given time in the sport of Boxing and that is what makes our sport great.” 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

 

Fury-Chisora Rematch Rescheduled

The highly anticipated rematch between top Heavyweight contenders Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora has been officially rescheduled for November 22 and will take place at the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London, England.  The fight, which was originally scheduled to take place on July 26th, was postponed after Chisora fractured his left hand in his last sparring session before the fight was to take place.

Both Fury and Chisora are coming off victories on the same card in February of this year. Fury’s fourth round knockout of Joey Abell and Chisora’s convincing twelve round unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson set the stage for the rematch of their fight in July 2011. In that fight Fury scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Chisora for the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles.

The stakes of the rematch are higher than the first encounter between Fury and Chisora. This fight will not only have both the British and European Heavyweight titles on the line, but will also determine a mandatory challenger in the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) ratings for current unified IBF/WBO/WBA/IBO Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.

At the conclusion of this fight the landscape of the Heavyweight division could change as the winner could be next in line for Wladimir Klitschko if Klitschko is successful against his next challenger Kubrat Pulev. The Klitschko-Pulev fight will take place September 6th in Germany.

It would appear that the winner of that fight will face the winner of the Fury-Chisora rematch perhaps in 2015. Now with the rematch between Fury and Chisora is officially rescheduled as well as former WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev earning interim/regular status in the WBA ratings by defeating Fres Oquendo last month, if Klitschko is successful against Pulev It appears that he will already have two mandatory defenses lined up for 2015.

Stay Tuned.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison