Failing to reach their potential haunts many people. Marko Martinjak didn’t want to be one of them.
During a lengthy incarceration, The Croatian fighter decided to make the most of his God-given talents as a bare-knuckle fighter. He’d won 5 straight bare knuckle fights by knockout.
He rejoined BKB, the British company that revived bare knuckle boxing in the modern era, scoring an impressive knockout against talented American Chad Kelley.
Martinjak suffered a shocking loss to Jarome Hatch in his next bout, but avenged the loss with back-to-back KOs.
The “Emperor of BKB” returns to action this weekend at BYB 33 in Wolverhampton, facing UFC vet Brad Scott for the BYB Police Gazette Cruiserweight title.
Martinjak shared his thoughts with us on facing Scott, the Hatch Trilogy, how the Hatch loss made him a better fighter, and more!
For BYB 33 streaming information, click here.
We’re less than a week away from BYB 33 in Wolverhampton. You’ll be taking on Brad Scott for the BYB Police Gazette Diamond Title. What are your thoughts on Brad as an opponent?
Marko Martinjak: I think Brad is tough opponent, but I am the best in the world. And with reason, I am the champion. It’s gonna be a good fight.
The last time we saw you in the Trigon, you defeated Jarome Hatch by first-round stoppage. It was a trilogy match. Jarome won the first fight and you won the rematch and rubber match. How did it feel to get the knockout again and finally end the rivalry?
Marko: My rivalry with Jarome is finished. I am blessed that I got the KO, and that I finished the trilogy in my favour.
Sometimes losses make fighters better. Has the loss to Hatch in Dubai last year improved you as a fighter in any way?
Marko: Yes, I improved a lot from that fight in Dubai-as a fighter and a person.
I must stay humble and don’t underestimate nobody. And with each new fight, prove why I am the best.
This fight’s for the super cruiserweight title. You’ve weighed over 200 lbs in the past, and once weighed over 270 for a pro boxing match.
Any chance of “The Emperor” moving up to heavyweight to fight the Gustavo Trujillo-Richie Leak winner?
Marko: I think this is my last fight in 200 pounds. I’m growing older and the weight cuts are going more and more difficult for me. I think I’m gonna pursue title in bridgerweight.
And when I become champion in that division, if Gustavo would go down I would like to fight him. I am interested to only fight the best cause only like that you can make legacy.
You stepped away from bare knuckle in 2018 before coming back to BYB over four years later.
Why did you leave bare knuckle, and why did you decide to come back?
Marko: From December 2018 til April 2022, I was in prison cause I did bad things and made poor choices in life.
I came back to fighting cause God gave me a gift, and I am the best in knocking people out.
Do you have any role models in boxing or bare knuckle or kickboxing who have influenced your fighting style?
Marko: My fighting role models are Roy Jones Jr and Miguel Cotto. For life, my role model is my father.
Photo Credit: BYB Extreme. Thanks to Don and Cam from BYB.
