Workington bare-knuckle boxing show 'took things to next level'

Yahoo

09-04-2025

Organisers of a fourth major bare-knuckle boxing event in west Cumbria say the latest show took things 'to the next level.'
The WBKB IV show at the Fibrus Community Stadium attracted a sell-out crowd of 700 along with 400 watching on a pay-per-view live stream.
It was the biggest show yet in the WBKB series and featured some showstopping and ferocious fights.
Pete Gilmour, from the organising team, said: 'We were proud of the first three shows, but this one was definitely the day we went on to the next level.
'It was absolutely phenomenal.
'The sell-out crowd of 700 was impeccably behaved and we thank everybody for that, but without a doubt the stars of the night were the guys in the middle: the fighters, and every single one of them left it all in the ring, and that's all we can ask.'
The show saw a ten-fight card which included three title fights.
They included Grant Hocking taking the WBKB cruiserweight title by earning a majority decision in his fight against Chris Carroll.
Baha Kudratov, right, was a title-winner at WBKB IV (Image: David Morris Photography)
Martin Smith claimed the WBKB British featherweight title, winning a unanimous decision after a ferocious contest with Sam Blakesley.
And Baha Kudratov claimed the WBKB European lightweight title against Darren Askew by second-round corner stoppage.
Further contests showcased local talent as well as fighters from across the UK.
Gilmour added: 'We always say it's a tough sport and people will get knocked down, but the amount of fighters who got back up off the canvas and went again just showed the heart of all of the warriors that took part in the event.
'We salute each and every one of them and thank them for taking the opportunity to shine and helping us to take the show to the next level.'
Additions to the set-up of WBKB IV included a new lighting rig and a ring walk platform, while Picture Perfect Productions used three cameras to capture footage for the PPV stream.
'I think everybody inside the venue was aware of the fact that it was going out to a worldwide audience,' added Gilmour.
'We had pay-per-views from as far as Australia buying the event and it all pointed to getting the WBKB brand out there. We are delighted how it all played out and we feel that the extra investment that we've had to put into the infrastructure of the venue and things like that really did pay off for us.'
Other winners on the night included Gary Plummer, who defeated Dannie Robinson by third round technical knockout (TKO).
Nathan Beadsmoore got the better of Jimmy Wilson by unanimous decision, Phil Flavell defeated Matt Sutton by third round TKO, and Ben Forster saw off Will Brand by second round TKO.
Grant Hocking is interviewed by Ross Allan after his title victory in Workington (Image: David Morris Photography)
James Robinson earned a unanimous decision against Ryan Bates, while Sam Peel claimed a first round knockout to defeat Carl Wade, with Lewis Bragg also knocking out his opponent Nathan Pearce in round one.
'There were some real bloodbaths and gladiatorial fights – but without a doubt, the Martin Smith vs Sam Blakesley fight was the showstopper,' added Gilmour.
'It was a five round war that went the distance. There were six knockdowns during the course of the fight. Both men showed incredible heart and incredible skill and it literally had the crowd on their feet.
'Since the event we've had a number of folk saying never mind fight of the night, that was the fight of the year, the best bare-knuckle fight some have ever seen.'
The night ended in defeat for Workington's former professional boxing champion Askew on his bare-knuckle debut, at the hands of Uzbekistani fighter Kudratov.
'Unfortunately for Daz he picked up an injury to his nose right at the end of the first round,' said Gilmour.
'It started out cagey but in the last 40 seconds of the first round, it really opened up and both fighters were felled by the other.
The show was watched by 700 fans at Workington and a further 400 via pay-per-view (Image: David Morris Photography)
'After the first round, Daz was assessed by his corner team and, as always, fighter safety comes first and he unfortunately couldn't continue.
'I'm sure to some it was a bit of an anti-climax, but the truth is that's the nature of the sport. Injuries can occur. We don't always get the fairytale ending that we want, but I think just by being in there, that in itself was a victory for Daz.
'I'm sure he'll go away and lick his wounds and hopefully he'll go again.'
Gilmour says some of the fighters who shone on the night have 'put themselves in the shop window' to progress in the sport, while WBKB's growing profile is attracting further fighters, with experienced BKFC boxer David Round set to fight at the next west Cumbrian event, and other fighters from across Europe showing interest.
'We are now attracting the real big names of the sport and we're casting our net far and wide,' added Gilmour. 'We are also on the lookout for future stars. I think everyone has seen what our platform offers in terms of the exposure we can give. And we'll never lose the local angle in terms of promoting fighters from Cumbria too.'
Gilmour said Workington Town and their stadium proved 'fantastic hosts', and in particular thanked Stephen 'Patch' Daniels, as well as Nicky Little and Sizzling Simon.
Sponsors on the night included Bounty Competitions, Cloud Competitions, Maxwell Flooring, Andy's Man Club, Big G Gin, KT Skip Hire & Waste Management, Kevin Dickinson Limited, Paige Sewell Beauty, Maryport MOT Centre Ltd, Robinsons Joiners, Paton Bros Scaffolding and Builders & Maintenance Contractors, while photography was provided by David Morris Photography.