LONDON, ENGLAND — Bare-knuckle boxing fans packed into the indigo at The O2 on November 14, 2026, for a high-stakes, action-packed evening of combat sports as BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing hosted BKB 61: London. The marquee event delivered a potent mix of technical mastery, shocking upsets, and explosive early-round knockouts, highlighting the continued growth and raw intensity of the sport on the grand stage of the British capital.
From top to bottom, the fight card showcased elite talent transitioning from traditional gloved boxing to the unforgiving environment of the bare-knuckle squared circle. Former world champions, seasoned contenders, and hungry rising prospects all left their mark inside the Trigon, culminating in a night that reshaped the organization’s championship landscape and set up compelling title narratives for the months ahead.
A Grueling Battle of Wits in the Super Lightweight Main Event
The evening’s main event featured a compelling clash of styles and eras as former IBF Featherweight World Champion “Lightning” Lee Selby squared off against a game and relentless Ollie “The Death” Sentance in a super lightweight contest scheduled for five grueling rounds.
Selby, renowned for his exceptional technical pedigree and ring IQ during his illustrious gloved boxing career, looked every bit like a former world champion in the opening frame. Utilizing his vast experience and superior footwork, Selby picked Sentance apart with well-timed, precise shots, neutralizing his opponent’s offensive rhythm and establishing a clear early lead on the judges’ scorecards.
However, Sentance proved to be no easy puzzle to solve. Refusing to be overawed by the occasion or Selby’s championship credentials, Sentance rallied fiercely in the second round, altering his approach and bringing a chaotic energy that forced Selby into deep waters. The bout quickly transformed into a competitive, back-and-forth war of attrition. Both men absorbed heavy leather and answered fire with fire as the crowd roared through the remaining frames, trading momentum in a display of sheer grit and heart.
When the final bell sounded to conclude the fifth and final round, the judges were faced with a razor-thin margin. Ultimately, Selby’s superior accuracy in the early rounds and his ability to weather Sentance’s fierce storm earned him the nod on two of the three judges’ scorecards, securing a hard-fought split decision victory to advance his bare-knuckle record to 2-0 with one knockout.
Amado Fernando Vargas Shines in Co-Main Event Showcase
The co-main event provided an explosive masterclass in precision and timing as Amado “AFV” Fernando Vargas delivered a dominant performance against Callum Nulty in their super featherweight showdown.
Vargas looked remarkably sharp from the opening bell, utilizing crisp angles and superior hand speed to dismantle Nulty’s awkward and unorthodox style. As the fight progressed into the second round, Vargas dialed in his power punches, repeatedly finding the mark and sending Nulty crashing to the canvas with well-placed blows.
After Vargas scored his second knockdown of the second frame, the referee determined that Nulty had taken too much damage and wisely stepped in to halt the contest, awarding Vargas a definitive technical knockout victory at just 0:43 of the round. The statement win elevated Vargas’s record to 2-0 with two consecutive knockouts, cementing his status as a dangerous force to watch in the lighter weight classes of bare-knuckle boxing.
Matty Askin Dethrones Marko Martinjak in Bridgerweight Championship Upset
The most stunning moment of the night came in the BKB Bridgerweight World Championship bout, where challenger Matty “The Assassin” Askin pulled off a massive upset against the reigning, dominant champion “Marvelous” Marko Martinjak.
Askin, a former multiple-time champion in traditional gloved boxing, brought a high level of technical acumen and composure into the Trigon. Facing Martinjak—a legendary five-division bare-knuckle boxing champion known for his durability and immense punching power—Askin immediately went to work. He effectively outboxed and outworked the champion through a high-paced opening frame, punctuated by a short uppercut that caught Martinjak off guard and sent him tumbling to the canvas late in the round.
The championship reign of Martinjak crumbled entirely less than a minute into the second round. Askin seized the opening and connected cleanly with a sharp, short jab that dropped the champion for the second time in the bout. Martinjak struggled valiantly to regain his footing, but he was unable to beat the referee’s 10-count, bringing a sudden and dramatic halt to the contest. The knockout victory at 0:43 of the second round crowned Askin as the new BKB Bridgerweight World Champion, delivering a monumental shift in the division’s hierarchy.
Ash Devenport Extends Undefeated Streak with First-Round Finish
Welterweight standout Ash “Bash” Devenport continued his flawless run inside the BKB organization, maintaining his undefeated status with a devastating first-round knockout over former two-time world title challenger Kallum “Skull Crusher” Skhane.
Devenport displayed exceptional command of the Trigon from the outset, using clever ring generalship to back Skhane into a tight corner. Once he had his opponent trapped, Devenport uncorked a stiff left straight that dropped Skhane flat. Skhane was unable to beat the referee’s count, bringing an abrupt end to the matchup. Compounding the disappointment for Skhane, he appeared to have suffered an injury to his right wrist during the decisive exchange. With the win, Devenport improved his unblemished professional bare-knuckle record to 4-0 with two knockouts, firmly positioning himself among the elite welterweights in the sport.
Simey Doherty Earns Title Shot in Rematch Victory
In a high-stakes welterweight title eliminator rematch, Simey “The Smoke from Stoke” Doherty secured his ticket to a future world championship opportunity by earning a decisive unanimous decision victory over former British champion Aaron “The Baron” McCallum.
The two familiar foes met inside the Trigon to run back their previous encounter from July, which had ended in a controversial and closely contested split draw. Picking up right where they left off, Doherty and McCallum engaged in another fierce, five-round tactical battle, going toe-to-toe and refusing to give an inch.
This time around, however, Doherty managed to separate himself on the judges’ scorecards through superior volume and effective ring generalship down the stretch. The judges rewarded Doherty’s efforts with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45, handing him a unanimous decision win that moves him one step closer to challenging for the BKB Welterweight World Championship.
Dan Gittens and Paul O’Sullivan Secure Quick Finishes
The remainder of the main card featured rapid, explosive finishes that kept the capacity crowd on the edge of their seats.
Former world title contender Dan “The Man” Gittens extended his remarkable finishing streak in a welterweight affair against debuting newcomer Dan “Colgate” Cawse. Gittens landed a blistering left hook that dropped Cawse instantly. Unfortunately for Cawse, he landed awkwardly on his left leg during the fall, sustaining an injury that rendered him unable to beat the count or continue fighting. The technical stoppage at 1:19 of the first round earned Gittens his seventh career victory, keeping his flawless 100% finishing rate intact with seven knockouts in as many wins.
Kicking off the main card action in style, “One Man Army” Paul O’Sullivan delivered an early contender for knockout of the night against Luke “Smudger” Smith in their super welterweight clash. O’Sullivan uncorked a devastating right hand that left Smith momentarily standing on rubbery legs. Sensing the opportunity to finish the contest, O’Sullivan followed up with two precise punches that secured the knockout at 2:17 of the opening frame, electrifying the London audience and setting a high standard for the rest of the evening.
BKB 61: London Official Results
Main Card
Super Lightweight Main Event: Lee Selby (2-0, 1 KO) defeated Ollie Sentance (2-1, 2 KOs) via Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Super Featherweight Co-Main Event: Amado Fernando Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs) defeated Callum Nulty (0-2) via TKO at 0:43 of Round 2
BKB Bridgerweight World Championship Bout: Matty Askin (2-0, 2 KOs) defeated Marko Martinjak (14-3, 14 KOs) via KO at 0:43 of Round 2
Welterweight: Ash Devenport (4-0, 2 KOs) defeated Kallum Skhane (2-4, 2 KOs) via TKO at 1:22 of Round 1
Welterweight: Simey Doherty (11-2-1, 3 KOs) defeated Aaron McCallum (9-7-1, 7 KOs) via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45)
Welterweight: Dan Gittens (7-1, 7 KOs) defeated Dan Cawse (0-1) via KO at 1:19 of Round 1
Super Welterweight: Paul O’Sullivan (7-4, 5 KOs) defeated Luke Smudger Smith (3-4, 2 KOs) via KO at 2:17 of Round 1
TikTok Exclusives
Bridgerweight: Carl Hobley (7-2, 1 NC, 3 KOs) vs. Claas Lilie (1-1, 1 NC, 1 KO) ends in a No Contest
Cruiserweight: Ashley Lloyd (1-0, 1 KO) defeated Marcus Pond (3-4, 3 KOs) via TKO at 0:19 of Round 2
Cruiserweight: Luke Fleming (4-1, 4 KOs) defeated Kornelijus Sabaliauskas (0-2) via TKO at 1:38 of Round 2
