The voice of BYB weighs in on the title fight at BYB 36.
In the lead up to the monumental clash that is BYB Light Heavyweight Champion Gregoris Cisneros (4-1, 4 KO) vs Barrie Jones (10-1, 9 KO) at BYB 36, Bare Knuckle Nation had the privilege to chat with BYB’s play-by-play commentator Mike Goldberg. A legend in the game who has one of the most recognizable voices in all of combat sports with his signature calls of “IT IS ALL OVER, JUST. LIKE. THAT!”, “HERE WE GO!” and who could forget “Virtually Identical.” Commentating over the NHL, UFC, Bellator, and now BYB, Goldberg has seen it all, and is anticipating another show-stopping scrap in this one.
Jones will make his return to the Trigon following his loss to LT Nelson in August. Things aren't getting any easier as he is set to face off with Cisneros, the current BYB light heavyweight champion February 1st in Cardiff, Wales. Cisneros is coming off of a wild fight with former champion Cub Hawkins where there were nine total knockdowns between the two, with Cisneros eventually coming out as the winner.
Jones is one of the most accomplished bare knucklers of the modern era and is set to compete in his home country of Wales for the second time. Cisneros is currently riding a three-fight stoppage streak which led to him now being the light heavyweight champ.
When I asked what we could expect when the two are finally facing off in the Trigon, Goldberg mentioned the unfortunate result in Jones’ last fight and how it will play into this one,
“98% of fighters in the world, if that would’ve been (Jones’) opponent when he came out of “retirement” they would’ve been done. “Smash” is just a different animal, he’s a different type of human being. The punishment Barrie put on him, especially in that first round, 98% of fighters can’t make it through that. Now let’s see if Barrie still has that… The fact of the matter is, he wasn’t able to defend his home turf, and I know he’s going to be even better than the “Welsh Wrecking Machine” who still may be the best of the best of all time.”
While Jones was once widely regarded as the best bare knuckle fighter on the planet, suffering his first career loss at the hands of Nelson, gives a glimmer of hope to a guy like Cisneros who is currently on a tear through the BYB ranks. Goldberg stated,
“He (Jones) is going to bring it, but Cisneros is talented, and Cineros is one of those guys who can utilize a different skill set. It’s not just in your face and brawl. I see it as a real battle of skill sets, and like every fight, especially the ones that happen in the Trigon, it’s going to be who has the heart, who can dig the deepest, who can withstand the most punishment and come out with their arm raised.”
The betting odds according to sportsbetting.ag has Cisneros as a slight favourite at -140, while Jones is a slight underdog at +110. I don’t bring that up as an endorsement of gambling, (which I will never do, please gamble responsibly) but to show even the book makers have this as a very close fight. Both guys have explosive power and a certain IQ of when to brawl and when to buy time and be technical. Whether you’re a true bare knuckle fan or a casual looking to dip your toe, this is the perfect fight to start. Cisneros vs Jones, BYB Light Heavyweight Title, February 1st at BYB 36. “HERE WE GO!”
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