As we approach the final stretch of the year, let's take a look at the leaders for one of the major awards.
Nine months ago at BYB 22, Julio Tanori challenged BYB Lightweight Champion Mark Irwin in what would eventually become a Fight of the Year and a battle that will go down in bare knuckle history. Just two days ago, on September 21st, the two would rematch and with anticipation at an all time high Tanori won by KO in the second round. While not a fight of the year, Tanori might have a case for a knockout of the year with his sweet right hand.
I have been eager to check in on 2024’s Fight of the Year, but I held off just in case Tanori vs. Irwin 2 was a barnburner like the first. That said, let's take a look at what I believe are the frontrunners for bare knuckle’s Men’s Fight of the Year.
BKFC
Alfredo Angulo vs. Jeremiah Riggs - KnuckleMania 4
Possibly the greatest one-round fight in BKFC history, took place when former boxing champion Alfredo Angulo faced bare knuckle vet Jeremiah Riggs. And with the atmosphere of KnuckleMania IV in full effect, these two threw caution to the wind and went to war from the opening bell. Riggs grabbed a handful of Angulo’s hair and threw about 50 punches that weren’t getting much of an answer. Late in the round, Angulo dug deep and turned the tide with three powerful body shots followed up with a perfect shot to the chin. While it's usually hard for a short fight to win FOTY, this one deserves a second look.
Bobby Taylor vs Ryan Roberts - BKFC FN Omaha 2
For my money, this is the leader as of September 23rd. With a combined age of 91, these two combat sports veterans earned “Legend” status. For five full rounds, they beat the daylights out of each other. While Roberts actually outlanded Taylor, it was the “ODB” who held the power and scored two knockdowns to tip the scorecards his way. I don’t know how two guys who are over 45, had the stamina to throw the way they did for the full time.
Connor Tierney vs Jonny Graham - BKFC 64
From the opening bell, these two brought it. Great exchanges littered the opening round and them seemingly out of nowhere both men displayed great movements and defence. This fight had a little bit of everything: back and forth exchanges, punches in bunches, and great power displayed as well, with Tierney scoring a knockdown in the second round only for Graham to return the favour in the fourth for some heightened drama. It all came down to the fifth round, where Tierney would turn up the pressure ultimately winning by decision claiming the BKFC UK Welterweight title.
BYB
Photo Courtesy: BYB
Gregoris Cisneros vs Cub Hawkins BYB 29
Nine knockdowns. Yes seriously. BYB Light Heavyweight champion Cub Hawkins faced off with undefeated challenger Gregoris Cisneros, in the main event of BYB 29. This one went back and forth more than a metronome. Cisneros was pinballing Hawkins around the ring knocking him down seemingly at will, But Cub would show just enough life to let the fight continue each time. Then in the fourth the champ would land a sweet three-piece combo and put Cisneros down; then, with a minute left, he did it again, and this time Cisneros was spaghetti legged. Cisneros would survive, and ultimately stop Hawkins in the next round. After a tally of nine knockdowns between the two, Cisneros was the new BYB Light Heavyweight champion.
Jon Barnard vs Harold McQueen - BYB 27
A fight to possibly decide the next lightweight title challenger would see BYB featherweight champion Harold McQueen face undefeated contender Jon Barnard. McQueen stuck true to his nickname “Lightning” and struck quickly in the first round, snapping Barnard’s head back before he crumpled to the canvas. What would ensue is two rounds of an absolute dogfight, during which Barnard ultimately turn the tide of the fight, abusing McQueen in the clinch. Barnard would eventually drop the featherweight champion in the third round, winning by KO. While it wasn’t as clean or flashy as other fights this was the definition of a war.
LT Nelson vs Barrie Jones - BYB 30
This one is closer to a “Performance of the Year” rather than fight, but given the magnitude of the fight it's worth a mention for this award. Barrie Jones, by many people’s account the best bare knuckler of the modern era, put his 10-0 record on the line against two-division BYB champ LT Nelson. In the first round LT showed off his titanium jaw and ate some huge shots from Jones, not really sure he’s human at this point. Nelson would come out in the second and dominate the entire three minutes. Into the third, the damage had been done, and Jones was counted out after a perfect right hand from Nelson landed right on his jaw. Nelson became the only person to ever defeat Jones in a bare knuckle fight in a spectacular fight with a feverish pace, and a result hardly anyone saw coming.
With how great bare knuckle has been in 2024 I’m likely missing a few obvious ones, but through almost nine full months it's clear we aren’t short on candidates!
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