Bare Knuckle Heroes caught up with Liam “Rocky” Rees.
The unbeaten Rees (3-0) takes on former BKB champion Scott McHugh (12-4) in the BYB 32 main event this coming Saturday in Leeds.
Read on for Liam’s thoughts on facing McHugh, fighting in the Trigon, and more!
Bare Knuckle Heroes: Liam, we are just a few days away from BYB 32: Leeds Brawl, and you’re fighting in the main event. How do you feel?
Liam Rees: I am ready! I am a completely different fighter yet again and I am excited to get in that Trigon.
You’re stepping into the Lion’s Den, so to speak.
You’re facing Scott McHugh, a former BKB champion in his back garden, and he’s also the most experienced opponent to date in your bare knuckle career.
What are your thoughts on facing Scott in his hometown?
Liam: It is an absolute honour to be fighting Scott in his home town. I have the upmost respect for him!
I am very aware that he has a lot more experience than me, but I have fought Joe Fitzpatrick who is a gold Olympic medalist and I came out on top every round. I find myself more focused and more determined knowing I am going in as the underdog. I like to prove people wrong, and have done since starting with BKB.
I have an army of Swansea people behind me and let me tell you they can make some noise.
Your background is a little different. You haven’t competed professionally in boxing or MMA, according to the record keepers.
Can you tell us how you got started in fighting and bare knuckle? What do you like most about competing in the sport?
Liam: I began fighting a good few years ago with gloved boxing but I never took it seriously. I was on and off with the gloves.
I got into BKB after a discussion in the gym with my coach, Jason Williams and Daniel Llerwell who said I would do well in the sport. Dan put my name forward and got me on one of the shows. I fell in love with it from my first fight. It’s the unknown-anything can happen. I love the fast pace and the danger, it’s raw and exciting!
What does Liam Rees like to do when he’s not training and fighting? Any hobbies you can mention?
Liam: when I am not training and fighting. I like to spend time with my family.
I have a wife, two young boys and a teenage niece at home who are my world. I also run my own carpentry and renovation business which keeps me very busy. I have recently started playing football again too for my childhood team, where I originally got my nickname Rocky.
Any concerns about fighting in the Trigon, the smallest fighting surface in combat sports?
Liam: I wouldn’t say that I have any concerns about fighting in the Trigon. However, I am very aware that is something new and something that will test my skills further again.
I would definitely say my coach has prepared me and moulded me ready for those three corners. I am a front foot fighter and I can dominate the centre of that ring which will definitely go in my favour.
Do you have any idols in bare knuckle? Do you have any fighters you look up to?
Liam: I have respect for each and every fighter in bare knuckle. I have worked closely with James Lilley throughout this camp and I would say he is the best in the game. I look up to him and always take on board what he says.
That’s all the questions I have. Is there anything else you’d like to say? Anyone you’d like to thank?
Liam: Thank you to all my sponsors who have made this opportunity possible for me. Thank you to everyone backing me and those coming to make some noise in Leeds!
I have to say thank you to those who are also doubted me because their doubt only gives me further determination to win this fight. I understand this is my fourth fight in this bare knuckle world, but I have nothing to lose!
I am grateful for this opportunity so early in my career. They must see something in me.
