Trout Claims Vacant Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Welterweight Title in Front of Record Crowd

February 5, 2024

12 months

Austin Trout is no stranger to fighting in front of big crowds. The apex of Trout’s boxing career featured him attempting to win the WBC light middleweight championship from Canelo Alvarez in April 2013 in the Alamodome in San Antonio. But Trout’s fight at the Bare Knuckle Fight Championship 57 event provided a lift for himself and the company.

Trout outlasted Luis Palomino to win the championship 49-45 on all three judges’ scorecards. BKFC CEO David Feldman said after the fight it was the highest-grossing event ever held at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. Nearly 6,000 people were in attendance to take in the action.

Trout, who held the WBA (Regular) light middleweight title for several years before losing it to Canelo, lost fighting in a traditional boxing ring in October of last year. Trout is on a six-fight winning streak in his boxing career and improved his record to 37-5.

Trout has also proven to be an effective boxer with the gloves off. Trout won his debut fight last February by knocking out former UFC standout Diego Sanchez. Palomino was a former champion who vacated the title back in 2022. If Trout can stick around and fight for the title a few times, it would help build BKFC’s credit. Online boxing news shows no fighter in BKFC has won the championship since it was first contested on Jan. 29, 2022.

Trout made it clear after the fight that he had no desire to flee the organization. He said that he plans to stay for a long time to defend his title. Trout should have no shortage of contenders who want an opportunity to try and grab his title from him. Having fought Canelo before lends Trout a lot of credibility on the boxing scene.

Henry Calls for Title Shot

Bryce Henry made life difficult for Robbie Peralta during their lightweight fight. Henry, who lives in Broward County in Florida, didn’t want to disappoint his home crowd. What Henry did was continue to put pace on the previously undefeated Peralta.

The doctor had to step in at the end of the second round. Peralta was battered to the point where his vision was blurred. Henry is now 4-0 in BKFC and took the post-fight interview to call out lightweight champion Tony Soto. Fortunately for Henry, Soto was in attendance to hear his message.

While no fight is on the books now, that may be something to watch. Feldman indicated this in the post-fight press conference, according to the latest boxing news online.

“It looks like (Bryce Henry versus Tony Soto) is going to happen,” Feldman said.

Duran Continues to Make History

Featherweight Bryan Duran has no desire to see the judges’ scorecards. He showed Saturday night that anyone who gets in the ring with him must be on their toes in every round. But Duran also learned it is important not to be too reckless himself.

Duran got knocked down in the second round by former BKFC featherweight title challenger Louie Lopez. However, Lopez wasn’t able to sustain that type of pressure. Duran sent Lopez to the canvas in the first and fourth rounds. In the fourth round, Lopez couldn’t get back to his fight.

Duran is the first fighter in BKFC history to win his first six fights by stoppage. Lopez was previously the No. 1 contender, so Duran is now establishing himself as a championship contender.

Escoboza Becoming BKFC Fixture

JoMi Escoboza is one of the fighters that BKFC can always count on to answer the phone when they need a fighter. During his bare-knuckle career, Escoboza has now fought ten times after knocking out Isaac Doolittle in the third round of their light heavyweight contest.

Escoboza is now 9-1 in bare-knuckle boxing. The win over Doolittle was an important one. Doolittle was previously ranked as the No. 3 contender in the division. Escoboza has become a regular on the bare-knuckle boxing scene. Originally, Escoboza had also tried his hand at MMA.

He had a difficult time adjusting to the mixed rules set and compiled a 1-3 record during a short run in MMA.

Cuba Fighting Spirit Shines Through

It was a rough night for former title challengers. But that also meant it was a great night for new talent. Alberto Blas, a Cuban-born fighter, became another prospect who picked up a win over a highly-regarded opponent to introduce himself to those interested in the sport.

Blas didn’t need much time, either. He stopped former bantamweight title challenger Daniel Alvarez in the first round.

Changes Coming at Heavyweight

Leonardo Perdomo impressed at heavyweight by knocking out Bobby Brents in 33 seconds in the first round. Feldman indicated that the heavyweight division will be going through some changes. Mick Terrill won the heavyweight championship against Arnold Adams in December.

Adams had had several stints as heavyweight champion. Feldman believes there are plenty of exciting prospects in the division. Perdomo has now won all three fights with the promotion, all by knockout, according to boxing news latest headlines.

“We’re going to blow up the heavyweight division right now,” Feldman said. “We have some big signings coming for the heavyweights as well. It’s going to be one of our most exciting divisions.”

Ibarrola Didn’t Break a Sweat

Featherweight Justin Ibarrola earned his paycheck in the most efficient manner possible. He blitzed Landon Williams and finished him with a KO in 15 seconds. Ibarrola is now 3-0 during his fights in BKFC.

Here’s a look at the rest of the fights not mentioned above.