Another successful defence in the books for one of the game’s elite!
On March 22nd at BKB 39, bare knuckle fans were finally treated to the long-awaited rematch between BKB two division champion LT Nelson and James Connelly. After their first meeting back in 2023, which was a Fight of the Year candidate, the matchup became one of the most highly sought after matches in the entire sport.
While there was an issue earlier in the year that resulted in the match being postponed to March, fan interest didn’t dip and when these two gladiators took to the Trigon, we saw why. Five rounds of wild bare knuckle action which saw both combatants have their moments, resulted in the champion Nelson retaining his title with a decision victory.
In a post-fight interview, with Gareth A. Davies, LT stated many times to Bare Knuckle Nation that he has eyes on the 154-lb. belt. So Nelson will be keeping a close eye on the matchup between current champion Liam Rees and challenger Martin Reffell set for April 19th.
Regardless of whether or not the two division champion fancies a third division or not, Nelson has continued to establish himself as one of the best bare knuckle fighters of all time, and his win over Connelly only further solidifies that point.
Below are the full results of the card provided by BKB.
After going five full rounds in 2023 for the Police Gazette Diamond Belt, Lorawnt-T Nelson and James Connelly once again went the distance in their title rematch. Unlike last time which ended in a draw, Nelson was declared victor by unanimous decision.
In the night's co-main event, Mark Tiffin avenged his previous loss to Aaron McCallum with a five-round split decision.
"The Tartan Titan" David Winiarski remains undefeated, improving to 2-0 with a split decision victory over Simey Doherty..
Nathan Massey picked up his first bare knuckle win in front of his hometown crowd with a third-round KO over Ryan Meer.
Liam Howel defeated Cyrus Rafi by unanimous decision after five rounds.
“The Cockroach” Ryan Barrett picked up his first victory in the Trigon in the main card opening match by first-round knockout over Kevin Greenwood.
Preliminary Matchups
Veteran Paul Hilz picked up his 9th bare knuckle victory and second in the Trigon, defeating Dean Paterson by second-round TKO.
Patrick Nash made easy work of late-replacement Sultan Ahmed, whining by TKO via corner retirement after the first round.
Matty Moore was triumphant in his return to the Trigon for the first time since BYB 12, finishing Gavin Curragh by second-round KO.
Braidie Harkett was victorious in his bare knuckle debut, defeating Matthew Morton by third-round TKO.
Top Photo Courtesy of BKB.
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