Rolando Dy delivered a statement performance at BKB 54, stopping Paulie Malignaggi with a second round knockout in the main event at the AO Arena. Marketed as Mayhem in Manchester, the event lived up to its billing as Dy captured the BKB superwelterweight world title in front of an energized crowd.
Despite Malignaggi’s decorated 16‑year boxing career, which included world titles in two weight classes, Dy entered the fight with confidence. He questioned why so many doubted him and emphasized the difference between traditional boxing and bare knuckle competition. Dy said he would take on anyone in his weight class, even referencing Floyd Mayweather, and insisted that bare knuckle fighting is a different world entirely.
The victory improved Dy’s bare knuckle record to six wins and one loss, with five knockouts. The 33‑year‑old from the Philippines now rides a four‑fight win streak and continues to build momentum in the sport.
Emotional Tribute to Ricky Hatton
Malignaggi dedicated the fight to the late Ricky Hatton, who passed away on September 14, 2025. He walked to the ring with Hatton’s son, Campbell, in a moment that resonated deeply with the Manchester crowd. A tribute video honoring Hatton’s legacy played before the bout, recognizing the former two‑weight world champion and local icon. Malignaggi and Hatton shared a memorable fight in 2008 in Las Vegas, where Hatton won by TKO in the 11th round.
Estevan Pertida Captures Super Lightweight Title
The co‑main event delivered another standout performance as Estevan Pertida secured the BKB world super lightweight title with a technical finish over Kallum Skhane. Pertida pushed forward relentlessly, noticing Skhane’s hands were damaged and his legs weakening as the fight progressed.
Pertida acknowledged he was not fully satisfied with his performance and plans to continue improving. In Skhane’s corner was former boxing world champion Lee Selby, who praised Skhane’s early rounds but noted fatigue became a factor late in the fight. Selby believed Skhane deserved to reach the final bell.
Selby, who became Wales’ 12th world boxing champion, is scheduled to compete in BKB on June 27 in Cardiff.
The Rise of Bare Knuckle Boxing
The BKB organization was founded in 2015 by Jhafir Harris and Mike Vazquez in Florida. Harris, who once fought Kimbo Slice in a bout ruled a no contest, emphasized that fighting provides structure, discipline, and opportunity. He views the sport as a way for athletes to channel energy productively and earn a living through honest work.
BKB is known for its trigon ring, a triangular fighting surface designed to force action and create constant engagement. The promotion has gained attention for its innovation and its roster of high‑profile fighters.
Leadership and Expansion Under CEO David Tetreault
CEO David Tetreault, who joined BKB in 2025 after working with Golden Boy Promotions and Triller, has accelerated the sport’s growth. He sees bare knuckle as a blend of boxing’s technical skill and the raw intensity of combat sports.
With names like the Vargas brothers, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Lee Selby under contract, Tetreault believes the promotion is positioned for global expansion. Upcoming events are planned for London, Cardiff, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Tetreault also sees potential partnerships with major combat sports entities, including the TKO Group led by Dana White and Nick Khan. He views BKB as a complementary product rather than a competitor, aiming to integrate the sport into the broader combat sports ecosystem.
