It was teeming bare-knuckled punches at London’s Indigo on July 7th 2018 when Tyler Goodjohn and Tony Lafferty savagely collided in what became a bloody and brutal baptism into the ungloved art for “El Tornado”.

The sport was peddled to the nines that night as the two men lit up the ring, creating one of bare-knuckle’s most beautiful and violent vignettes. Generous flurries of vicious blows were donated in-both equal and spiteful measure. Licks were taken, punishment was shared and the punters were spoilt rotten as they witnessed a thrilling, classic bout.

Despite the Scotsman’s valor and determination, Goodjohn claimed victory in the fifth with an anchoring overhand right that timbered Lafferty to the canvas and out for the night. A truly spectacular display and honourable reference to both men’s records; one that has carved itself into the BKB history books.

So, as Tyler Goodjohn seemingly flirts with the idea of retirement, who will fill his boots in a world title fight against Jimmy Sweeney?

An obvious match-up would be Sweeney vs Franco 2. “The Celtic Warrior” would welcome the rematch to avenge his loss from last year; a doctor’s stoppage due to a bad cut caused a lot of controversy, and a demand for the pair to run-it-back was immediately called for by the fans. However, Franco had committed to an MMA bout which prompted Goodjohn vs Sweeney.

Now, it may be a possibility that at the right weight-class, either Prize Fighter Champion Connor Tierney or the calibre of “Smudger” Smith would be an allluring prospect and credible replacement for Jimmy. After winning the tournament with an emphatic KO over James Connelly, Tierney’s boxing proficiency and heavy-hands has established his threat in the sport, while Smith keeps improving and is a danger to any man within a BKB ring.

Only time will tell if Tyler Goodjohn is serious about packing it all in. The former English champion is a talented and sublimely entertaing fighter, and it would be a shame if he calls time on his career. But whatever happens, two things are for sure: Sweeney won’t be short of opponents and bare-knuckle boxing will continue to flourish.

Tyler Goodjohn has announced on social media that he may be retiring from bare-knuckle boxing. Speaking to one follower on Twitter, Goodjohn touched on his potential future plans:

“There’s a real possibility that I won’t fight again. I’m gonna move into my new career & concentrate on my gym & training new fighters.”

Tweets from fans, followers and friends were being posted with mixed reactions; some well-wishing whilst others were disappointed. One particular comment was made regarding the BKB champion’s re-scheduled fight with Jimmy Sweeney:

“Bro, you gotta fight Jimmy first surely…what a win to go out with.”

To which “El Tornado” replied:

“Na man I’ve paid my dues in the fight game.”

Whether this a formal declaration or just thinking out loud remains unclear at this stage. However, what is apparent is how the pressures of lockdown are affecting us all in a multitude of adverse ways. Some may struggle psychologically and emotionally whilst others embrace this time to spend with loved ones.

As the days and weeks carry us out of this period, hopefully, the world of bare-knuckle will be thriving with events once again.

Many savage nights have embellished London’s Indigo as the menacing fists of ferocious warriors and savvy pugilists wreaked bloody-carnage within the callous domain of a bare-knuckle ring.

Never a prosy bout, a soft touch, or an easy night’s graft to be had in this ruthless business. Hearts have been broken, souls have been ravaged, while fight-punters (more…)

If there’s anything to be harnessed from our nation’s Lockdown during these uncertain times, then it’s this: The next time two fighters step inside a bare-knuckle yard – believe you me – it will be brutal. It will be bloody. And, it will be an enthralling and bad-intentioned affair at London’s Indigo.

The savage pangs from a barrage of bare-knuckle boxers will undoubtedly be heeding the prospect of violent, ferocious and nasty dust-ups in BKB’s forthcoming instalments, with each and every bout.

Rapid exchanges of menacing, bare-fisted-blows will be thrown like money at a bartender during happy hour. The relentlesss spite within “Smudger” Smith’s punches will be apparent when he collides against Hubet Geven like a man possessed in their Prizefighter final. Sweeney and Goodjohn will dance a vicious pugilsits-waltz for noteriety, legacy and title spoils. Connor Tierney will aim to wreak havoc when attempting to re-align the order of the BKB jungle, following his victory over James Connelly. And Ricardo Franco will do all in his battling prowess to ruthlessly fend off any adversary who stakes a claim at his world championship status.

And this – this is just for starters. Here’s to it.

Like the rest of the sporting world, due to the global epidemic which we know as Coronavirus – unfortunately, all bare-knuckle shows at the 02 have been rescheduled for later dates.

Please see the lists below:

BKB 21 will now fall on May 23rd.

BKB 22 will be June 13th

BKB 23 will be July 4th

The fighters, the fans and everyone involved with bare-knuckle will understandably be frustrated with the alterations. However, the global health, safety and well being of all is taking priority at present and until there is further clarity with how to effectively tackle COVID19, all governing bodies and organisations related to sport are compiling with current guidelines.

Stay safe.