One of the best bare knucklers of the modern era looks for a new challenge amongst the BKFC ranks.
Bare Knuckle Nation had the privilege to speak with Jimmy “The King” Sweeney following rumours of him joining the BKFC roster. While nothing is confirmed as of yet, a photo posted of both The King and BKFC boss David Feldman, as well as Sweeney himself telling BK Nation, “We’re in the process of getting that sorted, we’re hoping early 2025 I’ll be a BKFC fighter.”
With over a 30 fight career in bare knuckle and all of it coming under the BKB banner it's a surprising move to some, myself included, so I asked him, Why had he waited until now to make the move over?
“When you look at BKFC right now there’s a lot of excitement. David (Feldman) has done an absolutely fabulous job over the years building the BKFC brand in America and now throughout the world. I couldn’t have come at a better time. We’ve just come back from the Marbella (Spain) show, absolutely sold out a ton of great fights. The excitement, the buzz about bare knuckle now and BKFC at the forefront of it, it was definitely the right choice for me.
Now at the age of 40 years old, and being a six time world champion across four weight divisions, motivation is a big factor for an athlete in Sweeneys shoes, and there is a renewed sense of purpose with the impending move.
“I don’t want to say I got bored from it, but I've done everything that I could’ve done from it. How many world titles can you win? I was fighting guys I considered my friends. Each fight was the same, it was just over and over. It was just getting stale for me. It’s a new challenge for me, it’s brought the hunger back. I’m 40 years old and I’m still chasing world titles. I’ve already gained greatness but I’m chasing a legacy. I think with BKFC it’s giving me something to aim for now. I want to be the first Irish BKFC world champion.”
Photo Courtesy of Sweeney's instagram @jimmybkbking
While fighting with BKB the same day weigh-ins required Sweeney to fight around 175-lbs. but now with BKFC weighing in the day before and having the extra time to rehydrate he intends to compete at 165-lbs. and wreak havoc on the welterweight division. However, despite him being the biggest name in Europe’s bare knuckle scene he isn’t under the impression he will walk directly into a title shot.
“I think personally the best champion they have is Trout, big respect to him, what he’s done in the pro game and now bare knuckle. That's a challenge for me, come in three or four fights and challenge him if he’s still the world champion. I’m happy to come in, show the Americans first hand what I’m capable of and earn my title shot”
“Because if I can’t do over there what I’ve already been doing over here people are going to go “Oh well he wasn’t that good he’s only fighting in a small pond.” So now it's down to me. To win these world titles to be great over there for the whole world to see this is why I’m a top guy.”
Photo Courtesy of Sweeney's instagram @jimmybkbking
While a bout with BKFC will be the first time Sweeney fights in America, it won’t be the biggest change this move will bring. BKB stuck to traditional boxing rules (without the gloves of course) but inside the BKFC’s squared circle punches in the clinch or “dirty boxing” is permitted. Faced with this change, Sweeney is well aware of the extra danger that brings.
“My coach was an excellent, champion Muay Thai fighter out in Thailand, he’s used to the clinch so I’m with the right guys. Honestly, I don’t want to be getting in the clinch, it’s a big ring, I’m hoping with my boxing skill and my punch power I won’t have to get into that clinch much. I’m going to have to work on that part of my game. I know my boxing is going to be superior to a lot of fighters, but if they have the clinch work it's going to be a disadvantage for me to be fair, but I’m going to be working hard on it.”
While the name Jimmy Sweeney carries a lot of weight across Europe and in certain North American circles as well, but to the vast majority of the casual fans the name Sweeney may just be a name they’ve heard in passing or not at all. Sweeney has a message to send now before he sends one in the squared circle. In his words the fans can expect…
“Just absolute class. Just watch me, I’m one of the most exciting fighters, I can box, I can brawl, I can punch, I can do everything in the ring to win. Look me up on YouTube, and tune in when I fight because you will not be disappointed.”
Top Photo Courtesy of Tee Reskah Photography.
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