Three Title Fights Will Bring Out Top Fighters Seeking Glory in Hollywood For BKFC 62
Kai Stewart and Bryan Duran have been two of the most successful fighters in BKFC history. There is genuine bad blood between the two fighters. That makes them well-suited for a main event with the BKFC featherweight championship on the line.
When Stewart came to the BKFC, he exploded out of the gate. Stewart knocked out his first two opponents before settling into a role as someone who worked best as a points fighter. Stewart won the inaugural featherweight championship when he beat Louie Lopez at BKFC 44.
Stewart has defended his championship one, against Howard Davis, at BKFC 56 in December 2023. Online boxing news shows that Duran is a worthy challenger for Stewart. Duran, who was born in Cuba, came into the BKFC as a fighter known for his colorful hair styles.
Duran has knocked out all of his opponents since he joined the organization. With six fights in the organization, Duran didn’t let any of his opponents make it past the fourth round in his first five fights in the promotion. Duran is more of a brawler than Stewart.
Duran should force the action. Stewart has gotten comfortable with his fighting style and won’t want to accept a different type of fight. This will be an intriguing main event where one fighter should end up needing the referee’s assistance to stop the fight.
Duran and Stewart will be one of three title fights at BKFC 62. Expect this contest to come to an end well before the final bell.
Bets to consider: Duran by KO, Under 2.5 rounds
Richardson Wants to Become Staple of Division
The BKFC’s bantamweight championship belt hasn’t had much stability. Keith Richardson is the current champion and will defend his belt against Alberto Blas this weekend. If Richardson can win the fight, he will become only the second fighter to defend the championship.
Richardson won the championship by knocking out Reggie Barnett Jr. However, world boxing latest news shows that Richardson’s next challenger will be an undefeated fighter with an explosive pedigree. Blas has been leaving a trail of opponents in his wake.
During Blas’ five fights with the BKFC, he has put all of his opponents away in the first round. Richardson hasn’t been a slouch himself. He is off to a 4-0 start in the BKFC and has finished three of those fights by knockout.
Bet to consider: Blas by KO
Warren Anxious for Another fight with Escoboza
Jared Warren knows the formula for how to beat JoMi Escoboza. The question for Warren will be if he is capable of putting together the right mixture of punches to earn another win. When Warren fought Escoboza back in 2022, he was able to pick up a victory. Neither man has lost another fight since they first met.
Collectively, the two men have a record of 15-3. Warren set the standard in this rivalry by winning the first fight. However, Warren won’t be able to slow down at all against Escoboza. What happened in the fight two years ago isn’t relevant now.
While Warren should be in a position to win, this fight will show how capable Escoboza is of making adjustments if things go strong.
Bets to consider: Warren ML, Fight to not go the distance
Undefeated Bantamweight Wants to Raise Profile
Fighting so high on the card with an event that features three championship opportunities should put Chris Garcia at the forefront of people’s minds. So far, Garcia opened up his BKFC career by winning three straight fights, including finishing two by knockout.
Garcia, who is the No. 4 ranked bantamweight, will have the challenge of taking on a fighter without much experience. Mike Livingston only has one previous appearance in the BKFC, a loss to Cary Caprio. Livingston has previously fought three times in amateur MMA and also fought in traditional gloved boxing matches.
Livingston needs to turn his career around. Defeating a ranked fighter would be a good way to do it, but that won’t be easy against the dangerous Garcia.
Bets to consider: Garcia by KO, Under 2.5 rounds
Third-Ranked Bantamweight Gets a Tune-Up
Justin Ibarrola has fought his way up to No. 3 in the BKFC rankings. But that doesn’t mean he is satisfied with his current spot on the ladder. That could make things rough for Rick Caruso this weekend.
Caruso’s five fights in the BKFC have left a loss to be desired. He has a 1-3 record with one no contest. What is important for Caruso is that the last time he competed in the BKFC, he found some success. Caruso beat Landon Williams last September at BKFC 51.
Ibarrola also owns a victory over Williams. He has been a more consistent fighter, starting his BKFC career with a 3-0 record.
Bets to consider: Ibarrola by KO
Bercier Hopes to Hold Off Old Father Time
Leo Bercier has the kind of courage not many men in their 40s possess. Bercier, 43, is a heavyweight fighter who has slowly built his reputation over the past few years and possesses a 4-1 record in BKFC. However, Bercier’s upcoming challenge will be perhaps his most difficult so far.
Bercier will have to cut down Leonardo Perdomo. Since coming into the BKFC, Perdomo has compiled a 3-0 record and has won all three fights by knockout. Heavyweight is always a division that has the potential for the most devastating knockouts. The big boys hit hard. Expect Bercier to have his hands full.
Bets to consider: Perdomo by KO, Fight to not go the distance
Here’s a look at some other fights on the card not mentioned above:
- Women’s flyweight, Christine Vicens vs Melanie Shah
- Men’s flyweight, Gee Perez vs Albert Inclan
- Featherweight, Edgard Plazaola vs Eric Dodson
- Welterweight, Peter Peraza vs Wayna Reid
- Welterweight, Yosdenis Cedeno vs Josh Zuckerman
- Light heavyweight, Markus Suarez vs David Simpson
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