Former BYB Heavyweight Champion Ike Villanueva has a point to prove.
Four months removed from a stoppage loss to current champ Gustavo Trujillo, the UFC veteran known as “The Hurricane” makes his return to the Mighty Trigon.
Villanueva (3-1, 3 KOs) battles pro boxing veteran Kamil Sokolowski this Saturday night in Wolverhampton, England. The bout is a featured attraction at BYB 33: Wolverhampton Brawl.
Villanueva gave his thoughts on the Trujillo loss, the match up with Sokolowski, and fighting bare knuckle. The confident Villanueva vows to “steal the show” and make it an early night.
Ike Villanueva BYB 33 Interview
Less than a week away from BYB 33. How has training camp been?
Ike Villanueva: It’s hurricane season year around. Time to step back in the Trigon and reclaim my throne.
Another training camp as usual. Strictly business but more fire coming off a loss. You’ll see a man on fire Saturday night. The UK will be my second home. I will win the crowd.
Fairly late switch in opponents. You’re now facing Kamil Sokolowski, a guy with a lot of pro boxing experience, as well as in Muay Thai and kickboxing. Many would say he’s more dangerous to fight (original opponent Gary Slator has no sanctioned pro boxing bouts and only one bare knuckle fight).
Ike: He’s a journeyman in the fight game. As for him stepping up to my level, bring it. He had 2 cherry picked opponents with zero experience. I had to come in, earn my stripes, and I did that in hurricane fashion.
How do you see the fight with Kamil going?
Ike: (He’s a ) typical jab and overhand type fighter. I will make him work, and I will definitely utilise my dirty boxing and clinch work. Mexican style boxing will be victorious in 2 rounds Saturday night.
You’re coming off the loss to Trujillo, your first loss in bare knuckle. What went wrong for you that night?
Ike: My hometown was hit by (a) hurricane the week of. Power was out at my job, gym, house for 10 days. As a father and provider, I was stressed the fuck out.
I did everything to stay focused but life hits hard at times. I made simple mistakes and broke mentally.
I’m a man and can take responsibility for my loss. I’ll be back and to reclaim my throne!
We’re seeing a lot of veteran MMA fighters making the move to bare knuckle. What do you like the most about fighting for BYB in the Mighty Trigon?
Ike: It’s a hurricane symbol. Nowhere to run. You have to utilise skills and footwork. This is my house.
As for other MMA fighters coming over-some are chasing a check.
But I made it clear from Day 1, I was here to take over and be the face of BYB.
How does it feel to be coming to fight in England for the first time?
Ike: I can’t wait. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid playing rugby.
The crowd atmosphere is just different. My style of fighting will steal the show. I’m looking to seal this place as my home, and look forward to fighting at the o2 Arena one day.
That’s all the questions I have. Anything else you’d like to say or anyone you’d like to thank?
Thanks to my BYB FAMILY. Mike (owner Mike Vazquez) Greg (CEO Greg Bloom), Mel (matchmaker Mel Valenzuela), Don (Chief Marketing Manager Don Povia), and the entire staff. Thanks to Jim (BYB Europe Executive Jim Freeman) for finding a replacement asap.
Photos Courtesy of BYB. Bare Knuckle Heroes would like to thank Don and Cam from BYB.
