BKB legend Jimmy Sweeney’s BKFC debut is now official.
The “Celtic Warrior” faces old rival Rico Franco for the third time at BKFC Italy on 26 April in Florence.
The two first met at BKB 19 in November 2019. Franco got the win when the fight was stopped on cuts in the sixth round.
With the win, Franco became only the 2nd fighter to beat the legend in BKB. Julian Lane was the first.
Nearly two years later, the rematch took place after lockdown.
This time, Sweeney knocked down and dominated Franco before the fight was stopped on cuts in round four.
After the rematch, Franco (9-3) fought once in BYB before joining BKFC. He’s 3-1 in the promotion-his only loss is by decision to BKFC welterweight champion Austin Trout.
Sweeney (19-4) lost to Barrie Jones twice after beating Franco. The Irish legend has won four matches in a row since the Jones losses. He’ll make his BKFC debut after a 13-month layoff. Sweeney, 40, last fought in March 2024 when he defeated James Connelly.
BKFC Italy will be headlined by a cruiserweight world title bout. Newly crowned champion Chris Camozzi takes on former cruiserweight and light heavyweight champion Lorenzo Hunt.
Hunt previously beat Camozzi by split decision in 2023.
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