Our writing staff took a swing at predicting the three marquee bouts on BKFC’s biggest show of the year.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
With KnuckleMania IV ready to let the fists fly on April 27th, Bare Knuckle Nation takes an in-depth look at the three electric fights at the top of the card. Check out our predictions and leave a comment down below of your own!
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Ben Rothwell (2-0, 2 KO's) vs. Todd Duffee (Debut)
First up is a heavyweight tilt of massive proportions. These two were scheduled to face off in December of 2023, so the extended lead up could pay off in a fight for the ages.
Adam Hunt: Rothwell KO
Ben Rothwell should, and I believe will be the next challenger for the BKFC heavyweight title, but to do so he needs to make a statement. Rothwell has been in the squared circle twice already and dealt with both opponents in emphatic fashion. “Big Ben” will add another win and KO to his record, but it won’t be a cakewalk. Duffee is a tough customer, and certainly won't go down without a fight.
Corey Erdman: Rothwell KO
Rothwell vs. Duffee: These two have had a long time to study one another since the fight postponement late last year. This gave Duffee extra time to focus exclusively on his boxing, something he’s never participated in professionally, gloved or otherwise. I’ll go with Rothwell based on his impressive showings and frankly, just knowing what bare knuckle boxing feels like. This is a sport that takes some getting used to, and Rothwell is nobody to dip your toes in against.
Cole Whiston: Rothwell KO
There just isn’t a lot favouring Duffee. I don’t think this one is hard to predict. It has the potential to be a good fight but more so to be a mismatch. If Rothwell took this seriously, which I assume he did, he should have little issues with putting away Duffee early.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Mick Terrill (Heavyweight Champion, 7-1, 7 KO's) vs. Lorenzo Hunt (11-1, 9 KO's)
The co-main event will feature heavyweight champion Mick Terrill attempt to defend his title for the first time against pound for pound number one Lorenzo Hunt. The Juggernaut will try to become the first three division champion in BKFC history, having already won the light heavyweight and cruiserweight championships.
Cole Whiston: Hunt KO
This one is going to be a banger, likely, literally. Two guys with heavy hands and the ability to put their opponents flat on their backs. The size and maybe even speed favours Terrill but surprisingly the betting odds favour Hunt. With The Juggernaut chasing history, there has to be extra motivation and some underlying confidence in this matchup. Hunt will do what he does best and send Terrill home early.
Corey Erdman: Terrill KO
Terrill vs. Hunt: Terrill surprised a lot of people in winning the heavyweight title, and if this were a “pound for pound” fantasy fight in which all things were equal, Lorenzo Hunt might get the nod over almost anyone in bare knuckle. But Terrill can fight at a comfortable 260+, and even Hunt’s athleticism might not be able to make up for the size difference.
Adam Hunt: Terrill KO
Hunt has struggled with quicker opponents, for example Mike Richman, and despite being a solid 250-lbs., Terrill is very fast. While Lorenzo has detonators in both hands that could end this fight at any moment, Terrill went on record to say “(Lorenzo) You throw your hooks from about four miles away”. He’s big, he’s fast, and he knows what to look for.
(Photo Courtesy: BKFC)
Mike Perry (The King of Violence, 4-0, 2 KO's) vs Thiago Alves (2-0, 1 KO)
The main event will see the “King of Violence” title up for grabs. The current man on the throne, Mike Perry faces former BKFC Middleweight champion Thiago Alves.
Corey Erdman: Perry Decision
Perry vs. Alves: Perry’s fights in BKFC have been brutal ones, with Platinum Mike taking a whole lot of punishment and often winning on pure attrition. There’s a time when resilience runs out for any fighter, especially against a proven banger like Alves. However, Perry’s relative youth compared to his 40-year-old opponent and consistency in the squared circle make it hard to suggest this will be that time. Perry wins and remains the very bloody face of BKFC.
Cole Whiston: Perry KO
Mike Perry is the face of not just BKFC but bare-knuckle fighting period. There’s a reason for that, they are a match made in violent heaven. Perry has been here more recently and more often and with a sport as brutal as this, that plays a huge factor. Alves just doesn’t have the experience that’s needed to take on the King of Violence.
Adam Hunt: Alves Decision
None of Mike Perry’s BKFC opponents have been as tough as him. Until now. Eddie Alvarez quit on the stool, Rockhold quit mid-round, that won't happen in this one. Alves will bank the early rounds against Perry who was off to a slow start in both of his last two fights, and while the later rounds are sure to get ugly, Alves will do enough to earn a decision.
Bonus fight to watch: Andrew Angelcor (3-0-1, 2 KO's) vs. Ruben Warr (1-0, 1 KO)
While the main card is stacked with fights like the ones above, don’t miss this other bout with potential to steal the show.
Angelcor has more bare-knuckle experience and a great record at 3-0-1, with two knockouts. But where this becomes must see is the fact that in Ruben Warr’s debut he knocked out hometown fighter Lorenzo Coca in the first round; Angelcor is from Barstow just two hours from LA. Watch for Coca wanting to show out for his hometown fans, while Warr looks to play spoiler once again.
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