Phoney pantomime grudges, orchestrated “kick-offs” at pressers’ where bulked-up security guards intervene to keep two formidably “trash-talking” twerps out of arms reach from each-other whilst making cheap plays at selling the fight in a disrespectful, back-and-forth themed trade of verbals.

Fortunately, this isn’t a formula that fighter’s within the sport of Bare-Knuckle Boxing could ever lay claim to. Nor is it the manner in which fellas like Dean “Smudger” Smith partake in.

Last Saturday night at the 02, “Smudger” fought and beat fellow bare-knuckle compatriot and ex-serviceman, Tony Lafferty in their semi-final prize-fighter bout. Smith and Lafferty conducted their affairs  before the fight with respect and dignity – however, once the bell sounded for the opener, it was a ferocious “business as usual” encounter. That said – I believe there was a notable and apparent difference about “Smudger” Smith in this fight. Something, I don’t think we’ve quite seen before.

Dean’s whole strategical-body language, physique, demeanor and style was different. His face, eyes, and even his grin presented differently. And it wasn’t until he threw his first punch that I realised what the difference was with the Leeds warrior.

Spite. Venom. Nastiness. Speed and the fierce, bad, bare-fisted intentions from a good man, portraying a wicked role within a bare-knuckle boxing domain, was, in fact, the enhanced proficiency the Yorkshireman had now brought to his game.

Smith’s jab flashed-out with punishing speed and fercoity. His body shots were powerful and savage, creasing Lafferty on the inside as the Scotsman smiled, poked out his tongue and blagged he was impervious to the blows whilst taunting for more.

Dean was sharp and neat throughout, and he boxed like the rising star of his division – a boxer who’s momentumised by desire, grit, and determination. A man who’s ferocious, formidable and hungry to win a world title. And do you know something? I think “Smudger” may just turn out to be the “dangerman” of his division. For now he presents, appears and carries an air about himself like a savage, “bare-knuckle boxer-eating motherf###er”.

Massive respect to Dean and Tony for their display on Saturday. Two solid fighters and two gents.

(Bare Knuckle Boxing News apologises to anyone who may be offended by the use of what may be regarded as “bad language”. However, sometimes in life, no other words will quite do).

Dean “Smudger” Smith clatters against Hubert Geven in the Prize Fighter final on January 25, 2020, at London’s Indigo Arena. What a fight it will be!!

Tickets on sale now!!

Bare-knuckle Boxing has been the calling for Jimmy Sweeney and his success in the sport – at this stage – is incomparable.

Sweeney lost on Saturday night to a formidable opponent in Ricardo Franco, however, “The Celtic Warrior” maintains his professionalism, integrity, whilst deploying a respect and acknowledgement to the new world lightweight champion.

Jimmy sent a message on social media – it reads:

“Well done to Ricardo Franco, Saturday night was his. No excuses from me – he’s one tough man – enjoy the victory pal.

It was such a shame the doctor stopped it on a cut, but this is a professional sport and safety is paramount. 

Thanks to everyone’s support. As always, love you all and God bless. 

Thanks to my sponsors Dhillon Security, Clean25, RTP Waste Management, MMA Videos, Taylor’d Builder Services, P&D Windows, Euro Ghost.”

Nice touch.

Following last night’s defeat to Ricardo Franco, a March 2020 clash with Tyler Goodjohn may be jeopardy for “The Celtic Warrior” if he’s to call for the rematch and chance to reclaim his world lightweight belt.

Sweeney and Franco bared their souls in BKB19 as they boxed, battled and warred through six full-throttled rounds of bare-knuckle.

Sweeney was ahead on the judges’ scorecards, after tagging his man with solid counter shots, dropping Franco twice half-way through the fight. However, Ricardo’s reputation-comparable to the “Universal Soldier” was attested as he picked himself up, wiped the blood from his face and marched on into bare-knuckle war, claiming the victory.

Sweeney’s heart was broken as the doctor at ringside called time on the fight in round six; devastated with the shout but with professionalism and respect for himself and his dance partner, Sweeney gave the nod to Ricardo and raised the Gainsborough man’s hand aloft.

Now, however, it seems like a rematch with Franco may be on the cards for March 2020, while a clash with Tyler Goodjohn may be parked until later in the Spring. Who knows? One thing’s certain though: 2020 will be explosive.

Last night at the Indigo Arena in London, Ricardo Franco caused one of bare-knuckle boxing’s most shocking defeats by dethroning Jimmy Sweeney for the world lightweight title.

The fight possessed everything that bare-knuckle is about: It was fast. It was violent. It was bloody. It was strategically-sophisticated at times, viciously scrappy the other as bad intentions in the form of bare-knuckled blows blasted into each man, inducing cuts, gashes, bruises and knockdowns over the course of six brutal rounds.

In true Sweeney fashion, “The Celtic Warrior” dropped his man twice mid-way through the fight with fierce counter shots. However, “Bon-Bon” took the knee, sucked in the air, composed himself and weathered the Sweeney storm until the close of the round. Thereafter, Ricardo resumed his game plan of frustrating the Irishman – almost mimicking the awkward, hybrid style of the former champion.

The damage was doled-out its torrents, and both fighters presented cut, banged-up and swollen; in particularly Sweeney whose eyes looked heavy from what was possibly a broken nose. Nevertheless, the pair continued their battle until the decision was no longer theirs, and the doctor at ringside expressed concerns regarding Jimmy Sweeney’s injuries. 

Sweeney looked distraught as he pleaded his case, but a duty of care for the fighters’ was exercised by the medical professional and the bout was waived-off in six as the crowd erupted with tumultuous roars and Franco was crowned the new world champion.

Respect and commendations were exchanged by the two warriors before Franco was presented with the lightweight strap. An absolutely cracking fight of bare-knuckle was the main event, with a potential rematch to grace the 02 again in 2020.