Bareknuckle Fighting Championship tryouts

The BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) was looking to expand their sport and they did so by bringing the fight to South Africa. The tryouts were held in a boxing gym in Waterford Shopping Centre, Fourways, on November 11. With the intention of making the sport global and scouting for talent in Africa, the BKFC is set to hold the main event in Africa.

“Taking BKFC to Africa and adding South Africa to the list of countries hosting bareknuckle promotions is an exciting turn of events for us at BKFC. Africa is currently producing world class fighters and we are looking to create an exciting combat experience starting in South Africa. We look forward to bringing new fighters and new fans along for the ride”, said a former professional boxer David Feldman.

The president of the MMA South Africa Federation, Ferdinand Basson, said: “With an illustrious history in boxing and the Venda tradition of Musangwe, South Africa is a natural choice for BKFC to expand to. The talent on this continent just needs a strong partner like BKFC to reach its full potential.” The Bareknuckle Fighting Championship, in partnership with 2live Productions, has been greenlit to add the combat sport bareknuckle fighting to the South African sports and entertainment calendar.

Co-owner and consultant Nelson Lopez Jr is excited about adding South Africa to the list of host countries. “Bringing the spirit of bareknuckle from the USA into Africa is not just about the thrill of the fight, it’s about uniting cultures, breaking boundaries, and showing the indomitable spirit that knows no borders. It will ignite a fire that will inspire generations to rise above limitations and embrace their true power,” he states. South Africans from different boxing gyms showed up in numbers to try their luck in the extreme sport.

What exactly are the rules of BKFC?
– Only established professionals in boxing, MMA, kickboxing, or Muay Thai will be allowed to compete.
– No gloves, knuckles must be exposed, with wraps no closer than one inch to the knuckles.
– Fights entail five two-minute rounds to ensure fast-paced, exciting events.
– The patented BKFC “Squared Circle” contains scratch lines, based on the Broughton Rules which governed bareknuckle fighting in the 19th century, requiring fighters to ‘Toe the Line’, meaning they start every round face to face, just inches apart.
– Referees and judges will be required to have extensive professional combat sports experience.

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