Fernandez Says Tyson Fury, Andy Ruiz Presence Shows Bare-Knuckle's Growth

Julian Fernandez says Tyson Fury's recent appearance at a BKB event and Andy Ruiz's expected attendance this weekend reflect how far bare-knuckle boxing has come, ahead of his title defense against Dan Podmore at BKB 59 in Tijuana.

"He's very proud to be part of and a champion of bare knuckle boxing. He said that he's very excited and it makes him very excited and proud as well when he saw Tyson Fury up there, one of the best heavyweights of all time. Also, to be fighting for the same organization that employs Victor Ortiz and El Perro Alfredo Angulo and the likes it just goes to show the metamorphic growth of BKB and bare knuckle boxing in general. He's excited to be part of that growth and be a champion," Fernandez

Ruiz is set to attend Saturday's card, which marks BKB's first event in Mexico, to watch Fernandez defend his title against four-time, three-division champion Dan Podmore: "He said he's excited. I mean, he brought [Andy Ruiz] up," Fernandez