Selby, whose distinguished combat sports career includes capturing the prestigious IBF featherweight world championship during his traditional boxing days, enters this matchup with a 1-0 record and 1 knockout under bare-knuckle rules. Transitioning from the gloved Marquess of Queensberry style to the raw, unpadded intensity of bare-knuckle fighting is a challenge that many seasoned veterans undertake later in their careers, but Selby has embraced the discipline with the same fierce competitive drive that defined his championship run in traditional boxing. Standing across the ring from him will be Ollie Sentance, a formidable and entirely undefeated competitor who carries a 2-0 record featuring 2 knockouts. Sentance has quickly built a reputation as a dangerous finisher in the bare-knuckle circuit, having recorded stoppages in both of his professional appearances thus far. The clash between Selby’s technical mastery and Sentance’s devastating finishing power promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle for fight fans in attendance at The O2 and those tuning in from around the globe.
Lee Selby faces unbeaten Ollie Sentance as Marko Martinjak defends BKB title against Matty Askin
The excitement surrounding the BKB 61 fight card extends well beyond the main event, anchored by a co-main event that features championship gold on the line. BKB bridgerweight world champion Marko "Marvelous" Martinjak, who boasts an impressive professional bare-knuckle record of 13 wins and 2 losses with all 13 of his victories coming by way of knockout, will put his world title on the line against former British cruiserweight boxing champion Matty "The Assassin" Askin. Martinjak has long established himself as one of the most dominant and feared forces in the bridgerweight division, utilizing his devastating punching power and extensive experience to clear out top contenders. However, he will face a stiff test in Askin, a seasoned veteran of traditional boxing who successfully transitioned to bare-knuckle competition and holds a 1-0 record with 1 knockout in the discipline. The stylistic matchup between Martinjak’s proven championship pedigree and Askin’s championship-level boxing background makes the co-main event a true toss-up that could end in an instant given the nature of bare-knuckle striking.
The undercard for BKB 61 is equally stacked with compelling narratives and high-stakes bouts, particularly in the talent-rich welterweight division. Two major welterweight matchups are slated to highlight the evening’s action. In the first, undefeated rising prospect Ashley "Bash" Devenport enters the ring with a 3-0 record and 1 knockout, looking to maintain his flawless professional streak against Kallum Skhane, who holds a 2-3 record but brings dangerous power with 2 knockouts to his credit. Skhane has consistently proven that he can alter the course of a fight with a single clean punch, making this a classic battle between an undefeated prospect looking to protect his zero and a hardened fighter eager to hand him his first defeat.
The welterweight division action continues with a deeply personal and highly anticipated rematch between Aaron "The Baron" McCallum and Simey "The Smoke from Stoke" Doherty. McCallum enters the contest holding a 9-6-1 record with 7 knockouts, showcasing a wealth of experience and a high percentage of stoppage victories. Doherty steps into the squared circuit with a 10-2-1 record and 3 knockouts. Given their respective histories and the competitive nature of their previous encounters, this rematch is expected to be an absolute war of attrition from the opening bell to the final exchange.
Further supporting the main card, fight fans can look forward to additional compelling matchups. Dan Gittens is scheduled to face Dan Cawse in a bout that promises heavy-handed exchanges, while Luke Smith goes toe-to-toe with Paul O’Sullivan. Both fights add significant depth to an event that has captured the attention of combat sports enthusiasts across multiple continents.
Broadcasting and accessibility have been major priorities for BKB 61, ensuring that fans worldwide can witness the action live. In the United States, the event will be broadcast on Vice TV and Telemundo, providing coast-to-coast coverage for American viewers eager to watch the bare-knuckle spectacle. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, comprehensive coverage will be carried by TalkSport, keeping local fans fully informed with expert analysis and live updates. For fans who want an even closer look at the preliminary action, four additional bouts will be streamed exclusively on BKB’s official TikTok channel, offering a modern digital viewing experience for supporters of the sport.
Tickets for BKB 61 at the indigo at The O2 in London are currently available for purchase at BKB61.com, with a packed arena expected to witness the clash between Lee Selby and Ollie Sentance alongside a championship doubleheader that could reshape the landscape of bare-knuckle fighting.
