BKB plans big summer to appeal to traditional boxing fans

Press Release

21/05/2026

BKB plans big summer to appeal to traditional boxing fans

BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing unveiled its explosive Summer of BKB plans - a series of four international events heavy on former traditional boxer. The ambitious summer schedule highlights BKB’s rapid global momentum and its efforts to attract both established legends and next-generation talent. ‍Mike Vazquez, Founder of BKB, said: “The Summer of BKB is a statement of intent. We’re delivering world champions like Victor Ortiz, Lee Selby, and Yuriorkis Gamboa, warriors like Alfredo Angulo, and the next-generation talent of the Vargas dynasty to passionate fans across multiple countries alongside the superstars of our sport, LT Nelson, Gustavo Trujillo, and Mick Terrill.”
 
‍David Tetreault, CEO of BKB, added: “From Selby’s debut in Wales to Ortiz and Angulo lighting up Los Angeles, the Vargas Brothers at The O2, and Gamboa in Miami - this summer showcases the depth, quality, and international reach of our roster. BKB continues to set the standard as the leading force in the sport.”The Summer of BKB kicks off with BKB 55 in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday, June 27th.
 
Former IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby (“Lightning”) makes his BKB debut against Italy'sd Antonio Rizzo (1-0). Selby, one of Wales’ most accomplished boxers and the 12th Welsh boxing champion in history, held the IBF world title from 2015 to 2018 with five successful defenses. He previously captured British, Commonwealth, and European titles, compiling a 28-4 (9 KOs) record.
 
Next is BKB 56 in Los Angeles, on Saturday, July 18th, featuring boxing legends Victor Ortiz, Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, and bare knuckle star LT Nelson all in action. ‍Ortiz (33-7-3, 25 KOs), former WBC welterweight champion, brings star power and explosive punching power to his BKB debut. He is also a crossover personality from Dancing With The Stars, The Expendables, and Hawaii Five-0.
 
Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (26-8, 21 KOs), former WBO interim champion at light middlewight, is a relentless pressure fighter known for his toughness and all-action style. The Mexicali warrior boasts nearly 100 amateur fights, Olympic experience, and wars against Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, and other elites.
 
‍BKB then returns to the UK for BKB 57 at The O2 in London on Saturday, July 25th. Former BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill and the Vargas Brothers (Fernando Vargas Jr. & Amado Vargas, sons of ex-world champ Fernando Vargas) headline at the iconic O2 Arena. Terrill consistentlydelivers high-volume, fan-friendly performances and trademark toughness inside the BKB trigon.
 
Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-1, 15 KOs) and Amado Vargas (13-0, 6 KOs), sons of two-time world champion Fernando Vargas, bring their elite pedigree to bare knuckle. Fernando Jr. (“El Feroz”), a 29 year-old finisher with an 88% knockout rate and an 11-fight KO streak, has overcome significant personal adversity. Amado, a 25-year-old aggressive pressure fighter with sharp combinations and strong amateur roots (he was once #5 nationally with Team USA), has scored notable wins over Sean Garcia and Nurideen Shabazz. Together, the brothers represent the next generation of combat sports stars ready to build their own legacy in BKB.
 
‍The Summer of BKB concludes with BKB 58 in Miami, Florida on Saturday, August 29th, as Olympic gold medalist and former multi-weight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa makes his BKB debut.Gamboa (“El Ciclon de Guantanamo”), 2004 Olympic gold medalist and unified WBA/IBF featherweight champion, boasts a 30-5 (18 KOs) record. He has challenged pound-for-pound elites including Terence Crawford - who named him his hardest-hitting opponent - Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis, and Isaac Cruz. His speed, power, and flair make this one of the biggest crossovers in the sport.
 
‍