With the champ Mick Terrill having defended his title at KnuckleMania IV, here's a thought about what's next!
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
On April 27th, at KnuckleMania IV, BKFC Heavyweight Champion Mick Terrill (9-1, 8 KO’s) defended his title against former two division champion Lorenzo Hunt (11-2, 9 KO’s). After a solid uppercut from Terrill sent Hunt to the floor, “The Juggernaut” would land awkwardly on his arm, dislocating his elbow, and stopping the bout prematurely. Despite the finish, Terrill was finding his groove and was winning the opening round even before the knockdown.
But we aren’t concerned about what happened, we want to know what's next. There is one clear man in line for a title shot, Ben Rothwell (3-0, 3 KO’s). After his defeat of Todd Duffee (0-1), he sits undefeated with a perfect knockout rate. There is no one in the Top 5 at heavyweight that can say that for themselves.
But the champ has an idea of his own. In a statement made to Bare Knuckle Nation, Terrill said,
“My first option is Mark Hunt. A fight that would complete my career against the elite, among other things the fight would take place at 265 pounds.”
Mark Hunt (13-14, Pro MMA) is a former UFC fighter with professional kickboxing and boxing experience. Known best for his iconic “Walk-off KO’s” the former K-1 Kickboxing champion is 50 years old, but last appeared in pro boxing in November of 2022, winning by TKO.
While there has been interest from Hunt in the past about making a bare knuckle appearance, he still hasn’t been signed. So, a more realistic option, at least for Terrill’s next defence, is Rothwell.
But once again the champ has an idea of his own.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
“About Ben, I’m ok, but only if it falls within 265-lbs. Above this weight I would be open to a possible creation of a new belt for Super Heavyweight.”
Rothwell did slim down for his fight with Duffee, tipping the scales around 275. It shouldn’t be too difficult for him to cut the extra 10-lbs., which is also the UFC heavyweight limit, where Rothwell spent most of his pro mma career. But it seems as though that might not be necessary with Terrill’s idea for a super heavyweight division.
Is that even something that David Feldman and the BKFC brass would go for? Who knows? It’s highly unlikely the BKFC would sign a 50-year old Mark Hunt for a one-off title shot but certainly not impossible. I find it much more realistic that Rothwell cuts the extra pounds and makes 265. If Terrill is able to knock off the top contender BKFC has to offer that puts a lot more weight behind the possible Mark Hunt signing.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Regardless of how it shakes out, fans will not be disappointed either way. Terrill against anyone is going to be a must-see matchup. A fight with “Big Ben” would be fast and furious, with all of Ben’s fights ending inside the first round. While a match with Mark Hunt, would be more like a game of chess where one wrong move on either side could see the entire match over with. Whatever Terrill does next, I'm in!
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