I am a former world champion who has competed on some enormous stages against Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall.
However, when I made my bare-knuckle debut in a bullfighting stadium in Marbella that resembled a little Colosseum, there was a great sense of unpredictability.
Like a gladiator, I felt electrified. This sport was entirely distinct from boxing.
When practicing for bare-knuckle sparring, you cannot spar without gloves, so I had no concept what it would be like to punch and be punched without having your fist protected.
The referee instructed us to “tow the line” just prior to the start, which is different from boxing because the circular BKFC ring has no opposite corners.
The instruction is to “knuckle up” while standing next to your opponent. Before meeting in the middle of the ring, there is no feeling out procedure.
I was learning on the job throughout the first two rounds, but I was able to find my range and rhythm by the middle of the third. After putting my combos together, I realized the purpose of this sport.
Many fighters, including Sandy Ryan and Chantelle Cameron, messaged me to congratulate me on my victory.
