The new 140-lb. champion of BYB lays out his options for his next fight.
On October 12th at BYB 32, Harry Gigliotti accomplished the goal of a lifetime, becoming a world champion. Gigliotti stopped Joe Fitzpatrick in round one claiming the newly minted BYB Police Gazette Super Lightweight World Diamond Belt, a crowning achievement for one of the brightest young stars in the gloveless game. But the age-old phrase pops up like it always does, what are you doing next? Well I had the privilege to talk to the new champion and as always, the New England-based fighter didn’t disappoint.
“We’re looking in the next 3-4 months, defending the title. Or, I’ll go down in weight, I got a lot of fight left in me, whether it's at 135-140-lbs. or up at 147-lbs. I’ve heard some names they want me to fight at 140-lbs. and I think they’re good matchups, including Jon Barnard. Jonny Jones, that's another good matchup, I think Kyle McMillian is coming down at some point.”
“There’s a lot of people at 140 that could challenge me for my belt, but right now Jon Barnard makes the most sense, 4-0 with four knockouts and I think everyone wants to see it.Everyones been saying it, and I hope it's the fight they give me”
And while I think all fans would welcome that fight with Barnard, I asked him why it excites him in particular.
“He’s high volume, got fast hands, he likes to put his shots together, combinations, and he’s durable. He’s got experience in kickboxing, I think he’s been fighting since 2007, he’s game, he’s someone like that I think deserves a shot. It’s something that brings value to the table for BYB let alone my career and my resume, that's a great title defence. And I think it’s something the fans want to see, they want to see who can outwit each other, a good strategic chess match with high volume and good power. Real fighters. And I think Gigliotti vs Barnard is that fight.”
While I would agree that Gigliotii and Barnard is the best fight to make, the champ is keeping a watchful eye on every matchup with implications towards his title, including a bout coming up in December.
“There’s other people out there, Josh Oxendine is fighting Jarod Grant. I know they’re both planning on coming up to 140-lbs. So those are two names you can look out for, especially come December 6th when their matchup is coming up.”
While it’s been just two weeks since Gigliotti earned his world title and there are lots of questions that still need to be answered, his message to anyone regardless of weight class remains the same.
“Look out, I’m coming for ya, or better off you’re coming for me and I’m going to defend this title with everything I got. Everybody on the roster I like, I don’t have a real enemy, this is just business. But if you’re coming for my title, I’m going to hurt ya’, I’m going to beat the piss out of ya’.”
All Photos Courtesy of BYB Extreme.
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