Let’s take a look at the 135-pound landscape following 2024.
The 135-lb. division in the world of bare knuckle has quietly developed into one of the most entertaining in the sport; even with a clear-cut number one violently separating himself from the rest of the pack. BKFC Bantamweight Champion Alberto Blas cemented his position as the top 135’er this year with his dominant performances, but don’t let that overshadow the rest of the contenders looking to take his place in 2025. The likes of BKFC’s Chris Garcia and Justin Ibarrola also emerged as potential challengers for “El Indio” thanks to their own successes in 2024.
In addition, BYB lightweight champion Julio Tanori made an emphatic defence of his gold when he knocked out rival Mark “The Shark” Irwin. Across both promotions, the 135 landscape saw a major uptick in excitement, to go along with some fresh faces hoping to build on their year.
Disclaimer: BKFC refers to its 135-lb. division as bantamweight, whereas BYB calls it lightweight. Confusing? Yes.
BKFC:
Champion: Alberto Blas (6-0, 6 KO)
Defeated Daniel Alvares via KO1 (1:00) on Feb. 2nd
Defeated champion Keith Richardson via KO1 (1:10) on Jun. 21st
Defeated Ryan Reber via KO1 (0:56) on Sep. 13th
Blas is the undisputed number one 135’er in bare knuckle. His resume speaks for itself as no one has ever exceeded the 72-second mark against him. His momentum was capped off with a viral stoppage of then champion Keith Richardson, followed by a beatdown of the 6-0 Ryan Reber. Is the speed in which he’s beating his opponents sustainable? Probably not. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s one of the scariest bare knucklers out there today.
Contender: Justin Ibarrola (6-0, 3 KO)
Defeated Landon Williams via KO on Feb. 2nd
Defeated Rick Caruso via KO on Jun. 21st
Defeated Justin Street via UD on Sep. 13th
Defeated Derek Perez via KO on Dec. 21st
Four wins this year with two coming by stoppage, Ibarolla has far and away solidified his place as the top contender to face the champion Blas. Unless the champion's next fight happens outside of the weight class, or a big fish free agent enters the fold, Ibarolla will fight for the title next.
Contender: Chris Garcia (4-0, 3 KO)
Defeated Albert Inclan via MD on Feb. 2nd
Defeated Micah Livingston via KO2 (1:29) on Jun. 21st
Two bouts in 2024 for the undefeated contender Chris Garcia puts him in prime position for a title shot. However, his wins were less emphatic, and his activity was lacking.
BYB Extreme:
Champion: Julio Tanori (4-0, 3 KO)
Defeated Mark Irwin via KO2 (0:30) on Sep. 21st
Although it was his only fight this year, Tanori made sure to leave no doubts about his rematch with Mark Irwin. A far cry from their Fight of the Year in late 2023, Tanori blasted Irwin in the second to retain his belt. Here’s to hoping we see more of BYB’s lightweight king.
Contender: Jon Barnard (3-0, 3 KO)
Defeated Harold McQueen via KO3 (1:00) on Jun. 14th
“Untameable” made one of the biggest comebacks of the year when he stopped Harold McQueen during their emotionally charged number one contender’s bout. Barnard seemed to be on his way to a loss, but eventually found his footing in the later rounds, leading to the win. A title fight hasn’t been booked yet, but all signs point towards Barnard taking on Tanori next.
Notable Moments:
BKFC’s Keith Richardson earned a Knockout of the Year candidate against Michael Larrimore in December following his own knockout loss to Blas earlier this year.
BYB Women’s Lightweight Champion Paty Juarez did not compete in the division this year.
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