As the combat sports world continues to watch the explosive growth of bare-knuckle boxing, fighters are increasingly looking to cement their legacies across multiple weight classes. Among them is reigning BKB light heavyweight champion Cub Hawkins, who is currently orchestrating a strategic shift down the scales. Dropping two weight classes from the division he currently helms, Hawkins has his sights set on future historic achievements, including the pursuit of a third BKB title.
However, before any grand championship super-fights materialize, the formidable striker must first successfully navigate a stern test inside the squared circle. Hawkins is scheduled to face Rowdy Montgomery at BKB Bally’s Fight Night, an anticipated event transpiring on October 23rd in Biloxi.
The physical demands of making weight are a universal struggle across combat sports, and Hawkins is no exception to the rule. Speaking shortly after stepping off the scale and completing official weigh-ins the day before the Biloxi-based bout, Hawkins offered a candid assessment of his physical state to Bare Knuckle Bowker.
"It’s going good," Hawkins said regarding his recovery. "I weighed in and now I’m rehydrating. So, I feel a little better after."
Delving more into the specifics of how the BKB light heavyweight champion navigated his arduous cut down to the middleweight limit, Hawkins did not sugarcoat the experience, acknowledging the gritty reality behind the scenes of professional fight camps.
"Yeah, I mean it sucked with the weight cut, that’s never fun," Hawkins admitted. "But we made the weight and tomorrow we go to war and we’ll come out with my hand raised and on to the next."
While the immediate priority is squarely locked onto Rowdy Montgomery, the combat sports community naturally looks ahead to potential future matchups. Naturally, conversations surrounding a clash with current BKB middleweight champion LT Nelson have surfaced. When asked if Nelson would inevitably be next in line should he emerge victorious on October 23rd, Hawkins offered a measured response, noting that his priorities lie in defending his existing crown first before exploring cross-divisional supremacy.
"No, I want to defend my belt at 175 and then we’ll go from there," Hawkins explained. "See what LT wants to do. But as long as the money’s right, maybe that’s the route."
The road to this specific matchup has also required patience and adaptability. This fight was initially slated to take place earlier in the year back in July, but scheduling shifts and organizational adjustments meant Hawkins had to salvage his game plan and refocus his training regimen specifically for Montgomery.
When asked for his tactical thoughts on what Montgomery brings to the table as an opponent, Hawkins revealed a remarkably detached approach to studying tape, preferring to place complete trust in his coaching staff.
"I’m not really sure," Hawkins said. "I don’t really watch. I don’t watch my own fights. I don’t watch other people, I leave that up to my coaches and they game plan. I just train and implement what they want me to do with my training partners. So, that’s the only thing I focus on."
Cub Hawkins Has His Eyes on the Top BKB Fighters from Super Welterweight to Cruiserweight
Cub Hawkins’ ambitions extend far beyond a single division. The champion has previously captured the attention of the bare-knuckle community with high-profile callouts, most notably setting his sights on boxing legend Paulie Malignaggi after Hawkins defeated Barrie Jones to claim the BKB light heavyweight crown.
Reintroducing that history in the context of Malignaggi’s looming, high-stakes fight against fellow veteran Victor Ortiz in Los Angeles at BKB 62, Hawkins expressed genuine enthusiasm for the matchup and his desire to witness bare-knuckle history unfold live.
"That is going to be huge," Hawkins said. "I want to be there for that. Just to see both those guys fight, no gloves. I’m excited. I don’t want to say who’s gonna win or anything like that. I like both guys. So as long as I’m there, that’s all that matters."
The conversation around weight class fluidity also touches on how other champions within the organization are moving. When asked if his temporary move down in weight was partly informed by BKB middleweight and super middleweight champion LT Nelson testing the waters at super welterweight—potentially advancing toward that division’s kingpin, Rolando Dy—Hawkins maintained that his primary focus remains centered on legitimacy and the traditional duties of a titleholder.
"I just want to defend my belt," Hawkins stated. "I haven’t defended it yet and you’re not a true champion until you do that. So, that’s my main goal."
Hawkins is uniquely positioned to speak on divisional dominance, holding the distinct honor of previously reigning as BKB’s cruiserweight champion. With the cruiserweight division continuing to evolve, Hawkins shared his analytical viewpoints on Yunieski Gonzalez cementing himself as the cruiserweight champion at BKB 58 in Miami at the end of August.
Pointing to the horizon, Hawkins highlighted the impending challenges awaiting the current division leaders, confirming that he intends to keep a close watch on the division’s top contenders from cageside.
"He has to go through [Dan] Lerwell," Hawkins noted regarding Gonzalez. "Lerwell’s coming up. Lerwell is going to test him. That’s going to be a good one. So good for him. You’re gonna see me there. That’s for sure."
