Los Angeles, California, USA – March 10, 2026 – BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, the world’s leading and fastest-growing professional bare knuckle organization, today announced the signing of fan-favorite power-puncher John Molina Jr. (30-9, 24 KOs) in a multi-fight, multi-year agreement. The hard-hitting former world title challenger, nicknamed “The Gladiator,” will bring his relentless aggression, knockout power, and proven warrior spirit to the bare knuckle trigon, making his highly anticipated debut in the coming months as he targets BKB world championship glory.
This landmark signing further highlights the unstoppable momentum of BKB, which continues to attract decorated gloved boxers and deliver high-stakes, action-packed events. The promotion has welcomed stars like Olympic gold medalist and former multi-weight world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, and former world champions Victor Ortiz and Lee Selby to the bare knuckle ranks, whilst former gloved world champion Paulie Malignaggi is currently preparing to become a two-sport world champion as he faces reigning BKB super welterweight world champion in Manchester on Saturday 16th May 2026.
Molina Jr., a standout at super lightweight and welterweight, compiled an impressive professional record of 30 wins (24 by KO), 9 losses over a career spanning 2006 to 2019. He challenged for major world titles and shared the ring with elite opponents including Adrien Broner, Terence Crawford, Ruslan Provodnikov, and others, earning a reputation as one of boxing’s most entertaining and courageous fighters. Known for his all-action style and willingness to go to war, Molina retired in 2019 after a decorated run and transitioned to a proud career in law enforcement.
Now actively serving as a police officer, Molina’s return to fighting is fueled by an enduring love for competition, the itch to compete again, and the perfect fit of bare knuckle’s raw intensity with his no-retreat approach. After years away from the ring, he sees BKB as the ideal platform to scratch that itch, chase a new legacy, and potentially cross paths with fellow PBC alumni like Paulie Malignaggi and Victor Ortiz.
John Molina Jr. said: “I had a great career, being a fighter for 13 years professionally, and I didn’t wanna be one of these guys that accomplished all these accolades in boxing and then was, ‘What else do I do with myself?’ So I went out and became a cop, which was a great choice. I wanted a career I can be proud of. Being a cop, our fight or flight is second to none, and there’s a lot of reactions that need to be made and that’s right up my alley.”
“I’m at the age where it’s kind of like, excuse my language, but s***, or get off the pot kind of moment for me. This is the time and I feel young enough to still do it and anxious to get out there and showcase my abilities. You know, to be honest with you, if this would’ve happened when I was early on in my career, who’s to say I wouldn’t go bare knuckle given and – with the triangular ring? Not very much room to dance.”
“We’re gonna get right to business. So it works out perfect. It lends itself perfectly to someone with my style. And then when I started seeing other names like Paulie and Victor, who we were together under the same banner of PBC, I think it’s gonna be a good fit for all of us to get out there and showcase our abilities.”
“My legacy is to be a champion in the sport of bare knuckle boxing and for people to say, ‘Hey,he fought the best of the best and was considered one of the most entertaining fighters in the world during his era of fighting.’ Now I’m gonna take it over to bare knuckle boxing to be a champion in my respective weight class. And who knows? Maybe we crossed the bridge with Paulie. Maybe we cross the bridge with Victor. I think that can be explosive. But first things first, let’s get to the first one and get onto the next. If you guys ever seen my fights in the past, you guys will definitely see I’m ready to go to war. I like it. That’s what we expect.”
Mike Vazquez, Founder of BKB Bare Knuckle, said: “John Molina Jr. is a true warrior with an incredible resume of battles against the best and a fan-favorite style that always delivers excitement. We’re thrilled to have him join our roster. His power, heart, and no-fear mentality will be electric in the trigon.”
David Tetreault, CEO of BKB Bare Knuckle, said: “Adding John Molina Jr. to our lineup is a statement signing. His history of thrilling, high-octane wars against top competition, combined with his knockout power and unbreakable will, makes him a perfect fit for bare knuckle. We’re looking forward to seeing ‘The Gladiator’ bring that same intensity to the trigon in an exciting new chapter for him and for BKB.”
Molina joins an elite and rapidly growing roster of more than 200 fighters from over 30 countries, highlighting BKB’s magnetic pull for boxing’s biggest names seeking the ultimate test in the most primal combat sport. More major announcements are on the horizon as BKB maintains its meteoric rise.
From its origins in 2015 as BYB Extreme Fighting Series, founded by MMA pioneer Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris and Mike Vazquez, BKB has transformed bare knuckle boxing into a regulated, globally broadcast powerhouse through strategic acquisitions—including the original UK-based BKB in 2021 and Bad To The Bone in 2025—and a fighter-first philosophy that emphasizes athlete welfare and opportunity. Landmark broadcast partnerships with talkSPORT (UK and Ireland), VICE (US and Canada), and Telemundo (Spanish-language in the US) have delivered live events to millions worldwide.
Details on Molina’s debut fight and upcoming events will be announced soon. Fans can visit www.bkbbareknuckle.com and follow @bkbbareknuckle for the latest news and information.
