Reigning BKB World Light Heavyweight Champion Nicholas “Cub” Hawkins will make his middleweight debut versus Rowdy Montgomery on 23 October in Biloxi, Mississippi. The special attraction is part of Bally’s Fightnight by BKB Biloxi, taking place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
The 28-year-old Hawkins, who debuted in BKB in May 2022, is regarded as one of the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighters. The Chicago native holds an outstanding record of 10-1 (9 KOs) , with wins over the likes of Dan Lerwell, Barrie Jones and Zion Tomlinson Sr. His sole defeat was a stoppage loss to heavy-handed Gregoris Cisneros in 2024.
In his last bout, Hawkins once again showed the heart that makes him an elite fighter, rising from three knockdowns to stop dangerous MMA veteran Jesse Ronson.
Hawkins previously held the BKB Cruiserweight Championship, in addition to the light heavyweight title. Fighters usually move up in weight instead of drop down. There are a couple of attractive options on the table if Cub is able to fight effectively at middleweight or super middleweight.
Lorawnt T “Smash” Nelson holds the BKB Middleweight and Super Middleweight Titles. The South African native, now based in Colorado, like Hawkins is regarded as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound best. Nelson is known for his iron chin and heart, and like Hawkins carries a 90-percent knockout rate. A Nelson-Hawkins showdown has been mentioned in the past. It’s one of the biggest fights that can be made in BKB.
BKB Super Welterweight Champion Rolando Dy could be another option. If the Filipino is successful in his title defence versus Scott McHugh at BKB 60, it’s possible Dy could rise in weight to take on the likes of Nelson or Hawkins.
First, Hawkins will have to get past Montgomery. Rowdy (2-0 in BKB) is a 19-fight pro boxing veteran who went the distance with former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki. Montgomery’s two bare knuckle opponents had a combined record of 0-1. He’ll have to rely on his pro boxing experience and six inch height advantage against the explosive Hawkins.
BKB Biloxi: A Closer Look
BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing released the full fight card for its 23 October return to Biloxi.
Former lightweight champion Jarod “Kid Gatti” Grant headlines against Pantera Guerrero.
Amado Vargas, the son of pro boxing legend Fernando Vargas, returns to the Trigon to face Colin Huntington.
Biloxi native and former champion Monica “Phenomomom” Medina takes on Claudia Zamora.
Former heavyweight champion Ike Villanueva and super middleweight contender Brandon Shavers also see action in separate bouts.
Cub Hawkins Photo Courtesy of BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing
