There are plenty of great contenders on the horizon but these in particular are ready to take over.
Not content to just reflect on the amazing year 2024 was for the sport of bare knuckle, my mind started to wander to the future. Going into the new year of 2025, who do I think will become a champion in the next 12 months? While about 50 names ran through my head as possible, here are the three I decided on.
1. Leonardo Perdomo
When you watch the Cuban heavyweight Leonardo Perdomo fight, there's lots of things he does wrong, he takes giant windmill-like swings leaving him open for what seems like obvious counters. But then you see those swinging punches land, and go, “Oh, that's why they don’t throw back” as his opponent crumbles to the ground. Unruly power is the great equalizer in combat sports and with no gloves on, its multiplied exponentially.
Perdomo became one of the breakout stars of 2024 upping his record to 5-0 all by knockout, all in the first round. His routine of show stopping KO’s stealing the limelight away from whoever the main event was set to be. It’s only a matter of time before we see Perdomo fight for the title, and when he does, it will be over quickly.
2. Tony Soto
Tony Soto and Franco Tenaglia put on what will likely win the 2024 Fight of the Year in October for the vacant lightweight title. After a fight like that, and the lack of any real contender coming into the fold at 155-lbs. It makes the most sense for BKFC to make the rematch, and it is the most likely option. If that is to happen, I favour Soto to take it and force a rubber match.
Both men had times where they looked to be on the virgo of victory and the edge of defeat. But if not for a second knockdown by Tenaglia, who knows who would’ve gotten the decision the first time around. The first fight was too close to not think it could go the other way.
3. Josh Dyer
Dyer has been a victim of some of the worst luck I’ve ever seen in sports history, not just bare knuckle. Two no contests, one of them in an interim title shot, and a lost contact in a title fight before that.
However he holds a win over Jared Warren in his debut, the current light heavyweight champion. And his emphatic knockout of Will Albrecht at BKFC 63, put him right back in the title picture. Maybe he needs a refresher on the rules and some lasik eye surgery but if he can finally get it together, the power he carries in his hands can result in him winning his first world title.
Top Photo Courtesy of BKFC.
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