The title of best bareknuckle boxer on the planet is on the line at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday, March 24. Jimmy Sweeney topped the pound-for-pound lists – until he ran into Julian Lane last year. The American headed back across the pond with Sweeney’s world middleweight championship belt after a majority points decision. Sweeney hadn’t just been unbeatable in 17 previous bareknuckle fights, he had been just about untouchable as he bamboozled opponent after opponent to defeat. His punch-perfect record included a pair of wins over UFC legend Melvin Guillard – but Lane fathomed out the unfathomable Irishman to pull off a huge shock. There wasn’t that much between the fighters in any of the five rounds in an absorbing match between quality operators. It was the knockdowns scored by Lane in the first and second rounds that proved decisive on the judges’ scorecards. Lane called for Sweeney to retire in his post-fight interview, but ‘The Celtic Warrior’ is way too proud to walk away and looks to settle the score at the Echo Arena. The show also features the BKB debut of former English light-heavyweight boxing champion Travis Dickinson, who has two wins over George Groves, and the return of former world heavyweight champion Michael ‘Real Deal’ Ferry. He hopes victory will lead to a shot at the fighter who succeeded him as heavyweight champion, fellow North East hard man Michael Terrill. Tickets are available from http://www.echoarena.com/whats-on/bkb-10/
From being considered a joke/meme in MMA world to bare knuckle boxing world champion. Memes to dreams. That's pretty inspiring. He's probably the last guy I'd pick to accomplish a feat like this.
I predict Sweeney gets in shape this time and tools lane. I watched the first fight. Sweeny was a slob. Lane isn’t that good at all. I don’t think bkb wants real talent. I think they just want names.
The knockdowns decided it. Lane could definitely wins a rematch... That said Lane deserves some credit for making a name for himself. He was a punchline a few years ago.
UFC legend Julian ‘Nitrane’ Lane says he will chin Jimmy Sweeney in next week’s rematch – and go on to dominate BKB. Lane stunned bareknuckle boxing by upsetting Sweeney with a points win last year – and they meet again at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday, March 24. Lane says he won’t need the judges this time. “The first fight was only close because of a point deduction,” said the 30 year old from Ohio. “I got two knockdowns and won every round besides maybe the second round. I will finish Sweeney this time. “He lost to a guy with a 0-0 bare knuckle record and I'm sure he got a lot of stick from his people about that. “I know he really doesn't want to fight me again, but it's gotta be done.” The points win over Sweeeny put Lane at the top of the pound-for-pound bareknuckle rankings and he said: “I've had many street fights in my days, but as for sanctioned bareknuckle fights in a ring, yes it was my first. “I just love to bang BANG no matter what kind of fight it is. “I'm a real warrior with tons of heart and I’m very competitive. I'm always up for a challenge and I want to be the best in the world at MMA and BKB. “I have trained with many boxers and boxing is my favourite style of fighting. “I see my future wherever the money is. I have been in the fight game for 10 years and now it's my time to get the money fights. I like BKB a lot, maybe more than MMA, but I'm ready to get the big bucks now.” Tickets are available from http://www.echoarena.com/whats-on/bkb-10/
Lane fought well first time out but Sweeney didn't seem himself If he is match fit in the rematch I thInk he has a very good chance of getting his belt back
Hes only the champ cause stripe and wilder can' be bothered to take that title from him. B.K.B. is pure and would be the most interesting if it' where the money was, but all the talent goes to the sports that actually pay well.
One of my buddies just signed. I’m gonna see if he can get me in. A lot of clowns in there right now. Julian Lane Loses he might cry in the ring and pound vodka.
