London, United Kingdom – Monday, May 18, 2026 – BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, the world’s leading and fastest-growing professional bare knuckle organization, today unveiled its explosive Summer of BKB – a high-profile series of four major international events featuring world champions, boxing legends, and rising stars. This ambitious summer schedule highlights BKB’s rapid global momentum and its ability to attract both established legends and elite next-generation talent to iconic venues across the UK and United States.
Mike Vazquez, Founder of BKB Bare Knuckle, said: “The Summer of BKB is a statement of intent. We’re delivering world champions like Victor Ortiz, Lee Selby, and Gamboa, warriors like Alfredo Angulo, and the next-generation talent of the Vargas Dynasty to passionate fans across multiple countries alongside the superstars of our sport – LT Nelson, Gustavo Trujillo, and Mick Terrill. ”
David Tetreault, CEO of BKB Bare Knuckle, added: “From Selby’s debut in Wales to Ortiz and Angulo lighting up Los Angeles, the Vargas Brothers at The O2, and Gamboa in Miami – this summer showcases the depth, quality, and international reach of our roster. BKB continues to set the standard as the leading force in the sport.”
The Summer of BKB kicks off with BKB 55 in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday, June 27th. Former IBF Featherweight World Champion Lee Selby (“Lightning”) makes his highly anticipated BKB debut against Rizzo. Selby, one of Wales’ most accomplished boxers and the 12th Welsh world champion in history, held the IBF world title from 2015 to 2018 with five successful defenses. He previously captured British, Commonwealth, and European titles, compiling a 28-4 (9 KOs) record. Renowned for his elite technique, speed, and defensive mastery, Selby aims to extend his legacy in bare knuckle on home soil.
Next is BKB 56 in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, July 18th, featuring boxing legends Victor Ortiz, Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, and bare knuckle star LT Nelson all in action.
Victor Ortiz (33-7-3, 25 KOs), former WBC Welterweight World Champion, brings star power and explosive punching power to his BKB debut. A crossover personality from Dancing With The Stars, The Expendables, and Hawaii Five-0, “Vicious” Ortiz is one of America’s most charismatic fighters.
Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (26-8, 21 KOs), former WBO Interim Light Middleweight Champion, is a relentless pressure fighter known for his toughness and all-action style. The Mexicali warrior boasts nearly 100 amateur fights, Olympic experience, and wars against Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, and other elites.
BKB then returns to the UK for BKB 57 at The O2, London on Saturday, July 25th. Former BKFC Heavyweight World Champion Mick Terrill and the Vargas Brothers (Fernando Vargas Jr. & Amado Vargas) headline a massive UK spectacular at the iconic O2 Arena.
Mick Terrill, a proven BKB competitor and former BKFC heavyweight champion, delivers high-volume, fan-friendly performances and trademark toughness inside the trigon.
Fernando Vargas Jr. (17-1, 15 KOs) and Amado Vargas (13-0, 6 KOs), sons of two-time world champion Fernando Vargas, bring elite prospect pedigree and the renowned “Vargas Dynasty” legacy to bare knuckle. Fernando Jr. (“El Feroz”), a ferocious 29-year-old finisher with an 88% knockout rate and an 11-fight KO streak, has overcome significant personal adversity. Amado, a 25-year-old aggressive pressure fighter with sharp combinations and strong amateur roots (No. 5 nationally with Team USA), has scored notable wins over Sean Garcia and Nurideen Shabazz. Together, the brothers represent the next generation of combat sports stars ready to build their own legacy in BKB.
The Summer of BKB concludes with BKB 58 in Miami, USA on Saturday, August 29th, as Olympic gold medalist and former multi-weight world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa makes his BKB debut.Gamboa (“El Ciclon de Guantanamo”), 2004 Olympic gold medalist and unified WBA/IBF Featherweight World Champion, boasts a 30-5 (18 KOs) record. He has challenged pound-for-pound elites including Terence Crawford – who named him his hardest-hitting opponent – Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis, and Isaac Cruz. His speed, power, and flair make this one of the biggest crossovers in the sport.
BKB operates with a fighter-first philosophy, prioritizing athlete welfare in a regulated, high-production environment. The organization has evolved from its 2015 origins into a globally broadcast powerhouse with landmark partnerships including talkSPORT (UK & Ireland), VICE (US & Canada), and Telemundo (US Spanish-language).
Full fight cards, ticket information, and broadcast details for each Summer of BKB event will be released in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit www.bkbbareknuckle.com and follow @bkbbareknuckle on social media.
