Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is set to take over Fenway Park on Aug. 29
Having finally received a license to stage an event in Massachusetts, Dave Feldman knew where he wanted his initial foray into the Commonwealth held.
Read more With Blanche nomination at stake, payouts to Trump allies continue
The founder and president of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship set his sights on Fenway Park, and on Saturday, Aug. 29, that goal will be realized when the squared circle is set up on home plate.
“This is a city of fighters, a city that doesn’t quit,” Feldman said Tuesday at a news conference. “That’s why it fits so well with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, which is why I’m so proud to bring this thing here.”
BKFC fights are scheduled for five two-minute rounds. Only punching is allowed (no kicks, elbows, knees or grappling). Fighters are permitted to wrap and tape their wrists, thumbs, and mid-hand. No gauze or tape can be within 1 inch of the knuckles.
Each round begins with the combatants placing their front foot on two scratch lines located 3 feet apart in the center of the ring.
The initial setup is for 11,000 fans, but should ticket sales be brisk, Feldman said up to 20,000 could be accommodated on fight night. He is hoping for 18,000.
Read more Trump and DOJ ask Supreme Court to toss $83 million defamation verdict in E. Jean Carroll case
It helps explain why the card is heavy on local athletes.
Haverhill’s Harry Gigliotti will be featured in the main event, challenging “King” Kai Stewart for the featherweight world championship in a battle of undefeated fighters.
Gigliotti thought the pinnacle of his career would be when he fought in the Golden Gloves tournament at Lowell Memorial Auditorium at 17 in 2013.
“It’s surreal. I’ve only dreamed of opportunities like this,” he said. “Now I’m fighting at Fenway Park for a world title. I can’t believe I’m here, and I’m headlining.”
A pair of local UFC veterans will be on the card, as well. Joe Lauzon had been pursued by BKFC for the last couple of years, but it was the opportunity to fight at Fenway that finally lured the Bridgewater native back into competition as a welterweight.
Abington native Peter Barrett already had made the move from UFC and is 2-0 in BKFC. He will fight as a lightweight. Other locals include Brockton’s Shane Jordan, Rico DiSciullo of Somerville, Rob Perez of Southbridge, and Springfield native Pat Casey.
Read more Fauci repeatedly invokes the Fifth Amendment in contentious Senate committee hearing
Tickets for BKFC 92 can be purchased at redsox.com/BKFC
Post Comment