Inside BKFC’s big bet on Britain: How David Feldman turned bare knuckle from bar fight to box office

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) founder David Feldman announced a major event for Saturday at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. Feldman stated that this event would be the biggest in the promotion's history, with ticket sales matching those of the best boxing events at the AO Arena. The main event features Darren Till against Yoel Romero, placing BKFC in the same league as legendary fights like Ricky Hatton vs. Kostya Tszyu, Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy, and Carl Froch vs. George Groves. Feldman believes this sport can compete with the big players in the combat sports world.

Bare-knuckle boxing has a rich history, with its modern revival gaining legitimacy in recent years under Feldman's leadership. After over a century of being illegal and underground, the sport became sanctioned at a state level in the U.S. in 2018. BKFC has since expanded its reach to various U.S. states, drawing fans with its unique and raw appeal. The sport's popularity in the U.S. stems from offering something different from the UFC, attracting those who enjoy striking over grappling disciplines.

In Britain, where stadium fights are more common, BKFC has an advantage due to its focus on striking. The event's headliners, including middleweight champion David Mundell, Karl Thompson, and Andy Thornton, are expected to draw significant attention. BKFC is also planning to expand internationally, with shows in Brisbane, Australia, Serbia, Poland, and the Czech Republic, aiming to establish itself in four to six markets across the globe.

However, the biggest bet for Feldman is hosting an event at Liverpool's Anfield stadium, a historic soccer venue with a capacity of 61,276. This move could position BKFC alongside other unconventional venues such as the White House and the Pyramids of Giza. Feldman aims to push the boundaries of combat sports, creating unforgettable spectacles that captivate audiences worldwide.