LOS ANGELES, California — BKB Naked Knuckle Boxing has landed one of many largest crossover signings within the sport’s historical past.
The fast-growing naked knuckle promotion introduced the signing of former world boxing champion Victor Ortiz (33-7-3) to a multi-fight, multi-year settlement, marking a significant second for the group because it continues to draw elite expertise from the world of conventional boxing.
Ortiz, the previous World Boxing Council welterweight champion, is anticipated to make his naked knuckle debut later this 12 months contained in the promotion’s signature trigon ring. The signing brings one in every of boxing’s most recognizable personalities into the quickly increasing naked knuckle scene.
Past his achievements in boxing, Ortiz has additionally gained widespread recognition by appearances on Dancing with the Stars, the motion movie franchise The Expendables starring Sylvester Stallone, and the long-running tv collection Hawaii 5-0.
BKB Continues Attracting Elite Boxing Expertise
The addition of Ortiz additional highlights the rising momentum behind BKB, which has more and more attracted adorned fighters from the world of gloved boxing.
Latest high-profile signings embrace Olympic gold medalist and former multi-division world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, in addition to former world champion Lee Selby. One other main crossover story has been former boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi, who efficiently transitioned to reveal knuckle competitors and delivered a Battle of the Evening efficiency towards Tyler Goodjohn at BKB 47.
Malignaggi is now scheduled to problem reigning champion Rolando Dy for the BKB Tremendous Welterweight World Championship on Might 16, 2026, in Manchester, additional elevating the promotion’s worldwide profile.
Victor Ortiz Brings Championship Pedigree
Nicknamed “Vicious,” Ortiz grew to become one in every of boxing’s largest names after capturing the WBC Welterweight Championship in 2011 with a dominant unanimous choice victory over Andre Berto.
All through his skilled profession from 2004 to 2022, Ortiz compiled a formidable report of 33 wins (25 by knockout), 7 losses, and three attracts. Throughout that point, he competed towards a few of boxing’s largest stars, together with a high-profile bout with undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather Jr..
Outdoors the ring, Ortiz expanded his recognition by leisure and media appearances, showcasing his character and athleticism to a broader world viewers.
Now, he’s making ready to check himself within the uncooked and unforgiving world of naked knuckle combating.
Ortiz Prepared for the Subsequent Problem
Ortiz mentioned the transfer to reveal knuckle competitors was motivated by his respect for the game’s depth and the fast progress of BKB as a promotion.
Former WBC World Champion, Victor Ortiz, mentioned: “I’ve achieved a lot in gloved boxing – from successful a world title to battling the perfect on this planet. Now, naked knuckle is the subsequent problem. It’s the purest, most intense model of the game, and I’m pumped to carry my energy, coronary heart, and expertise to BKB. I’m coming to win one other world title and show I’ve nonetheless bought it. All glory to Jesus Christ.”
BKB Management Welcomes Ortiz
BKB founder Mike Vazquez believes Ortiz’s arrival additional solidifies the promotion’s place as a significant power in fight sports activities.
Mike Vazquez, Founding father of BKB Naked Knuckle, mentioned: “Victor Ortiz is a real legend with a world-class resume and star energy that transcends boxing. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our roster. His knockout energy and championship drive will electrify the trigon. With fighters like Gamboa and Malignaggi paving the best way for elite crossovers, Victor’s signing proves BKB is the vacation spot for icons chasing new greatness.”
David Tetreault additionally praised the signing and the influence Ortiz might have on the promotion’s world progress.
David Tetreault, CEO of BKB Naked Knuckle, mentioned: “I’ve recognized Victor since my days working the desk at Golden Boy. Victor Ortiz is an enormous coup for our group. His world title expertise, devastating energy, and crossover enchantment make this an unbelievable addition. We’re excited to see him pursue naked knuckle dominance alongside our increasing lineup of world-class fighters. Bringing a fighter of Victor’s calibre to BKB exhibits simply why we’re the main power proper now in Naked Knuckle Boxing.”
BKB’s World Rise
Ortiz joins a quickly increasing roster of greater than 200 fighters representing over 30 international locations, demonstrating the promotion’s rising means to draw high-level expertise.
The group’s roots hint again to 2015, when it started because the BYB Excessive Combating Sequence, based by MMA pioneer Dhafir Harris and Mike Vazquez. Since then, the corporate has developed right into a globally broadcast naked knuckle promotion following a number of key acquisitions, together with the unique UK-based BKB in 2021 and Dangerous To The Bone in 2025.
In the present day, BKB occasions are broadcast worldwide by partnerships with talkSPORT within the UK and Eire, VICE TV in the US and Canada, and Telemundo for Spanish-language broadcasts within the U.S.
With Victor Ortiz now coming into the trigon, BKB continues its meteoric rise whereas including one other internationally acknowledged title to its rising roster of fight sports activities stars.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Government Author, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and can be a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s additionally the principle photographer for the 4CornersMafia Automotive Membership.
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