It was a quiet year for the big boys in 2024.
Normally the heavyweight division is regarded as the “money” division, or at the very least, the division that gets the most attention. And rightfully so, seeing abnormally large men fight each other is usually more entertaining to the casual eye than some of the smaller weight classes. Especially when you mix in the fact that these heavyweights are ditching the gloves.
However, this year seemed to be marred in bad luck and a feeling that the division may not have been the most exciting this time around, at least on the championship level. BKFC only held one world title fight and that was all the way back in April when champion Mick Terrill took on Lorenzo Hunt. While BYB heavyweight champion Gustavo Trujillo continues to outclass every opponent put in front of him.
As for contenders, that’s where heavyweight really found its footing in 2024 with the likes of Leonardo Perdomo, Kamil Sokolowski, and Zach Calmus each leaving their knuckle prints all over the heavyweight landscape.
BKFC:
Champion: Mick Terrill (9-1, 8 KO)
Defeated Lorenzo Hunt via KO1 on Apr. 27th
“Defeated” is putting it generously as a freak accident in which Hunt’s arm dislocated is what led to the stoppage. An argument can be made that Terrill was well on his way to a win anyways. But it doesn’t change the fact that this was a pretty disappointing finish that feels even worse when you realize this was the champion’s only appearance this year. However, his next bout has been scheduled for Jan. 25th against former UFC heavyweight Ben Rothwell; a bout which was heavily rumoured almost instantly after Terrill’s fight with Hunt. Nearly a year later, we finally got it.
Contender: Ben Rothwell (3-0, 3 KO)
Defeated Todd Duffee via KO1 on Apr. 27th
On the same night as Mick Terrill, Rothwell also earned a lack-luster win against fellow UFC vet Todd Duffee. But given his popularity within combat sports, as well as his skills within the ring, Rothwell poses as a massive threat to anyone in the heavyweight division, which is why “Big Ben” gets his title shot next month.
Contender: Leonardo Perdomo (5-0, 5 KO)
Defeated Bobby Brents via KO1 on Feb. 1st
Defeated Leo Bercier via KO1 on Jun. 21st
Defeated Steven Banks via KO1 on Sep. 13th
Defeated Levi da Costa via KO1 on Dec. 21st
It’s not a matter of “if” but “when” will Perdomo receive a title shot? Some would say he’s worthy of one now, and given his performances this year, that’s not a far fetched idea. No one has made it past the first round against the Cuban power puncher, who seems guaranteed for a title shot after Terrill vs. Rothwell. He may not be champion, but he was certainly BKFC’s best heavyweight this year.
Contender: Zach Calmus (5-2, 4 KO)
Defeated Josh Freeman via KO3 on Feb. 16th
Defeated Connor McKenna via KO3 on May 11th
Defeated Ryan Shough via KO1 on Aug. 3rd
Given the lack of activity from the top of the division, Calmus’ performances this year were a breath of fresh air. He’s clearly behind Perdomo on the depth chart, but deserves his credit as one of the best heavyweights of 2024.
BYB Extreme:
Champion: Gustavo Trujillo (6-0, 6 KO)
Defeated Levi da Costa via KO1 on Apr. 4th
Defeated Ike Villanueva via KO1 on Jul. 13th
Defeated Richie Leak via KO1 on Dec. 6th
As far as heavyweight goes, 2024 was the year of Gustavo Trujillo. He made his return to bare knuckle following a two year hiatus only to win the BYB World Heavyweight Championship in just his second bout of the year. No one has gone past the first round against the “Cuban Assassin”, who doesn’t seem to have much competition at the moment as BYB’s best heavyweight.
Contender: Kamil Sokolowski (3-0, 3 KO)
Defeated Brian Morrow via KO1 on Jan. 27th
Defeated Volodymyr Skurtu via KO1 on May 4th
Defeated Ike Villanueva via KO1 on Nov. 9th
At the moment, Sokolowski serves as the most likely candidate to challenge Gustavo Trujillo for the world title. Having been on a first round KO streak of his own, he certainly has the merit for a chance at championship glory. And having been one of the few fighters that juggled the BYB/BKB merger, his performances are even more impressive.
Top Photo Courtesy of BYB.
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