James Connelly outboxed Martin Refell to win a five-round unanimous decision Saturday night in Bristol. The super-middleweight showdown headlined BKB 45.
Conelly’s boxing skills earned him the victory by scores of 50-45 and 48-47 (twice). He scored most effectively with the left jab and hook, sliding away to avoid return fire.
There were no knockdowns. Refell (6-4, 3 KOs) bled from the left ear while Connelly had a swelling under his left eye.
After the bout, Connelly (7-6-1, 1 KO) said he’d like to face BKB Super Middleweight Champion Lorawnt “Smash” Nelson again. Connelly drew with Nelson in 2023 before losing by decision in a rematch earlier this year.
Lerwell Blasts Out Jack Marshman
The co-feature was a showdown between two former world title challengers from Wales.
Veteran Dan Lerwell (11-4, 10 KOs) made quick work of UFC veteran Jack Marshman (2-2, 2 KOs). The end came at 59 seconds of the first round.
Lerwell stunned Marshman during an exchange, knocking him back to the ropes. Lerwell went on the attack, letting his hands go and connecting with some clean shots that dropped Marshman.
Marshman couldn’t beat the count and the referee waved off the fight.
DAN LERWELL!! JUST. LIKE. THAT. 🚨🤯#BKB45 #BKB #BareKnuckle pic.twitter.com/NEKyVBlJ6m
— BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing (@bkbbareknuckle) September 6, 2025
Former boxing heavyweight titlist Lucas Browne defeated Corey Harrison by doctor’s stoppage in his BKB debut.
Rob Boardman returned to BKB with a first-round stoppage win over Ukraininan spoiler Volodymyr Skurtu.
BKB 45 Full Results
Matty Moore def. Danny Worsfold-TKO Round 1
Corey Healey def. Craig Harrison-TKO Round 2
Carl Hobley NO CONTEST Anthony Scotford
Will Dermietzel def. Jordan Tompkins-TKO Round 1
Ashley Brace def. Hatice Ozyurt
Rob Boardman def. Volodymyr Skurtu-TKO Round 1
Lucas Browne def. Corey Harrison-TKO Round 2
Paul Hilz def. Dean Paterson-TKO Round 2
Simey Doherty def. Joe Smith-Split Decision
Dan Lerwell def. Jack Marshman-KO Round 1
James Connelly def. Martin Refell-Unanimous Decision
