The rapidly accelerating world of professional bare-knuckle fighting is bracing for another explosive clash as undefeated super heavyweight powerhouse Jesse “The Reaper” Sparks prepares to step back into the Trigon. Sparks will face his most seasoned and dangerous test to date when he squares off against veteran knockout artist Richard “Silverback” Carmack. The high-stakes showdown serves as a featured attraction at Bally’s Fightnight by BKB, scheduled for Friday, November 20, at the upscale Bally’s Dover Casino Resort in Dover, Delaware.
For fight fans who have tracked the meteoric rise of Jesse Sparks, his brief appearances inside the squared circle have been nothing short of breathtaking. Boasting an unblemished professional record of 2-0 with an identical number of knockouts, Sparks has wasted zero time introducing himself to the bare-knuckle division. In fact, raw efficiency has been the defining hallmark of his young career thus far; Sparks has required a combined total of a mere 53 seconds to decisively finish his first two professional bouts. His devastating punching power and relentless forward pressure have left opponents flat-footed and overwhelmed, establishing him immediately as a fighter to watch in the division.
However, the upcoming event in Dover represents a critical step up in competition and a true litmus test for the rising star. Richard Carmack enters the Trigon carrying experience, grit, and a notable pedigree that far exceeds anyone Sparks has faced thus far. Carmack holds a professional record of 2-1 with two knockouts under the BKB banner, mirroring his opponent’s propensity for ending fights early. Furthermore, Carmack brings a deep background in traditional combat sports, having previously captured the title of USA Midwest heavyweight champion. With 16 professional boxing victories accumulated over the course of a hard-nosed career, Carmack possesses the technical savvy, ring IQ, and toughness required to weather an early storm and dismantle an inexperienced opponent.
Despite the daunting credentials of his adversary, Sparks remains thoroughly unfazed and steadfast in his aggressive approach. The young powerhouse made it abundantly clear that he has no intentions of pacing himself or leaving the ultimate decision to the ringside judges.
“I’m not coming to Dover to go the distance or leave anything to the judges,” Sparks said when discussing his upcoming matchup. “I’m always looking for the finish. Carmack is next, and I’m preparing to bring the same power that got me here.”
On the other side of the equation, Carmack is equally resolute. Fully aware of the hype surrounding the undefeated up-and-comer, the veteran heavyweight views this bout not as a stepping stone for his opponent, but as an opportunity to halt a freight train in its tracks and reassert his own dominance in the division.
“I’m not stepping into the Trigon just to be another name on Sparks’ record,” Carmack stated. “He’s undefeated, but that can change in a hurry when he’s standing across from me.”
The high-octane super heavyweight encounter is just one of several compelling matchups slated for the Delaware card. The entire evening of combat sports entertainment will be anchored by a marquee welterweight main event featuring a notable crossover. Former WBO junior welterweight world title challenger “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy is set to make his much-anticipated bare-knuckle debut. Lundy, a respected veteran of traditional boxing who has shared the ring with some of the sport’s biggest names, will trade leather against the undefeated Jairo “Almighty” Santos. Santos carries a pristine 2-0 record featuring two knockouts, presenting a formidable and youthful challenge for the debuting veteran.
The excitement continues in the welterweight co-main event, where fans will be treated to a classic striker-versus-striker matchup. Kylle McMillan, holding a record of 3-1 with two knockouts, is scheduled to square off against James “Get Down” Brown. Brown enters the bout with an impressive 5-1 record, including three wins by way of knockout, ensuring that the co-headliner will likely feature fireworks from the opening bell.
Promotional officials also announced a notable change to the previously structured fight card. A highly anticipated bout between Jade “Evil Smile” Masson-Wong and Monica “Fearless” Franco has been officially removed from the lineup, streamlining the schedule for the evening.
The Delaware card forms an integral part of BKB’s ongoing strategic partnership with Bally’s Corporation. This innovative collaboration successfully bridges live entertainment at premier Bally’s properties with cutting-edge sports technology. A major component of this integration is the utilization of ForceIQ punch-sensor technology, a system designed to measure punch volume, specific punch types, and the exact impact force of strikes in real time. This technological advancement adds an extra layer of statistical depth and excitement for viewers tracking the action.
Bally’s Fightnight by BKB is scheduled to commence at 7 p.m. ET. Fight enthusiasts who are unable to attend the venue in person will have multiple options to catch the action live, as the event will be broadcast through Bally Sports Live, accessible via BallySports.com, and simulcast on the Stadium FAST channel.
For those wishing to witness the high-stakes action live from the ringside atmosphere at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, tickets remain available for purchase through the official ticketing portal at BKBTickets.com/Dover.
Updated BKB Dover Fight Card
Bally’s Dover Casino Resort – Dover, Del.
Friday, Nov. 20 | 7 p.m. ET
Bally Sports Live
Welterweight Main Event: Hank Lundy (0-0) vs. Jairo Santos (2-0, 2 KOs)
Welterweight Co-Main Event: Kylle McMillan (3-1, 2 KOs) vs. James Brown (5-1, 3 KOs)
Super Heavyweight: Jesse Sparks (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Richard Carmack (2-1, 2 KOs)
Super Featherweight: Albert El Zaibak (0-0) vs. Triston Harrison (0-1)
Heavyweight: Branden Smith (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Braxton Smith (1-1, 1 KO)
