Bareknuckle rising star aims to bring title home

ANTRIM bareknuckle boxer Conor Cooke is fighting for the BKFC UK Light Heavyweight belt next weekend, the first contender from the island of Ireland.

And Conor said he was ‘excited’ by the challenge.

“BKFC is the biggest and best bareknuckle show on earth. Winning this belt will get me on to the international stage and in line for a shot at the world title,” he said.

“I have gone 6-1 within the promotion. My last fight, a knockout win, went viral with over five million views on social media. That cemented my title shot.

“My opponent is Anthony Holmes, a former champion in different promotions and a former cruiserweight BKFC champion.

“Dubbed ‘The Yorkshire Gladiator’, he’s tough and dangerous and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Conor’s fight is in Derby on December 13th.

He added: “I have already sold over 40 tickets to people who want to come over and support me.

“The support has been amazing and I can’t wait to represent Antrim on the biggest stage around. If anyone else is interested in going, they can contact me on my social media platforms.

“My training is going well, I still work as a joiner during the day as well as my training at nights and weekends.

“We have worked hard for this opportunity and I am not going to let it slip.

“I’m excited for the fight!”

The bout will also be shown live in Madden’s Bar.

A spokesperson said: “We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Conor Cooke is stepping into the BKFC ring and we’re screening it live in the front bar!

“We’ll be watching Conor Live in action on the big screens, bringing the bare-knuckle intensity right here to us in Antrim!

“We’re proud sponsors of Conor, and he’s about to put on an absolute show. This isn’t just a fight - it’s a community moment.

“Let’s pack the place, cheer him on, and show Conor the hometown support he deserves.”