Bare Knuckle Heroes caught up with former BKB champion Scott “The Mute” McHugh.
McHugh heads into the biggest moment of his career, a week from Saturday on 12 October.
“The Mute” battles undefeated Liam Rees for the BYB Police Gazette Super Welterweight Title at BYB 32: Leeds Brawl.
Before a sellout crowd, McHugh headlines in his hometown against an up-and-coming fighter looking to spoil the party.
We chatted with McHugh about the upcoming fight, the loss to Des Green in his BYB debut, and more!
BKH: Scott, thanks for taking the time to speak with Bare Knuckle Heroes.
We’re just a few days away from BYB 32 in Leeds. How is preparation going? How do you feel about being the main event in your hometown of Leeds?
Scott McHugh: Preparation has been the best for any fight I’ve had in my whole career, and that’s a lot of fights I’ve had. And it’s a dream come true fighting in my hometown. I’ve been waiting to fight bare knuckle in my hometown for 6 years since starting with BKB.
The first time you entered the BYB Trigon, you had a difficult night against Des Green (Green won by 3rd round stoppage). Have you trained more clinch work or done any other preparation for your return to the The Mighty Trigon?
Scott: I fought Desmond Green without much preparation for his style, and didn’t really know about the clinch work. But now I know that’s important.
Yes, trained super hard back to my Thai boxing days with the clinch, and that’s one of my strongest points.
And Desmond Green was ex-UFC. He hit like a train- he broke my eye sockets in the 1st round. I couldn’t really see. I got frustrated, and was walking onto shots with my guard down.
I was in his back garden (Florida) and had a lot of pressure. He was a huge lad for his weight, and I didn’t do the weight cut as I was used to BKB’s same day weigh-ins.
BKH: Your opponent is Liam Rees. What are your thoughts on facing Liam for the BYB Police Gazette Diamond Super Welterweight Title?
Scott: Liam is a tough lad but we have our game plan worked. I know his mistakes. He will walk onto something and trust me, I hit very hard.
Call me a basic boxer all you want. I spar pro boxers most days, and very technical boxers and champions, and outwork some of them.
BKH: You’ve been a professional bare knuckle fighter for six years now. Over a dozen matches, your record is listed at 12-4.
What do you like the most about fighting without gloves?
Scott: Without gloves is just made for me. I’ve fought all my life. I’m born to fight.
Is there a particular fight that is most memorable for you? Why?
Scott: Beating Sean George the legend is my most memorable moment.
How did you get the nickname “The Mute”?
Scott: I’m called “The Mute” because I leave all the talking in the ring. I’ve been in with everybody in bare knuckle K1/Thai boxing and MMA. Never lost a boxing match in 18 boxing matches/hybrid boxing as well. I’m experienced in all martial arts with over 60 fights in my career. It’s just another fight for me.
Is there anything else you’d like to say or anyone you’d like to thank?
Scott: My new coach has trained the best pros in the game such as Ahmed Ghaz/ Francis Kershaw, etc. Al Osta and Jermaine Springer have made me Into a different fighter now.
Also, my wife Jade who puts up with me in my fight camps, and Lee Walker who keeps me calm before my fights.
Bare Knuckle Heroes would like to thank Don Povia and Cam Mintz of BYB for helping with this interview. Photos courtesy of BKB/BYB.
