Bare-knuckle boxing organisers plan more Cumbria events

The WBKB event at the Copeland Stadium proved a success with more than 500 people in attendance to watch some high-quality fights.

And those behind the event now want to take the show to other parts of the county including Carlisle.

They believe it offers a platform for Cumbrians to make their name in the fast-growing sport – as well as quality contests for the Cumbrian public to watch.  

“It has whetted our appetite,” said Peter Gilmour, part of the organising team.

“Our first show was in Whitehaven but we wouldn’t like to limit ourselves – there are big audiences in places like Carlisle.

Ollie Lawrence, left, takes on Kearon Thomas in the main event at WBKB (Image: Lee Macaulay)

“We are looking at venues for our next shows. The main thing for us is that it has to be quality over quantity. We would rather do two or three a year and make them real high-quality shows that people will enjoy and remember.

“We’re reviewing what went well, what we can do better and expect to be back in the early part of 2024 with our next show.”

The WBKB event last Saturday saw a ten-fight card involving a host of experienced fighters and some talented local boxers.

Among the highlights was a super-middleweight bout which saw Ollie Lawrence take the title belt against Kearon Thomas.

Another top contest saw Bartek Kanabey take the WBKB British Lightweight Title with victory over Ant Harrison.

“In terms of a first event it couldn’t have gone much better,” added Peter.

“Our aim was to put on an event that doesn’t cut any corners, that looks after the fighters and shows that what we’re doing here is a legitimate sport.

Will Cairns is declared the winner after his contest with Will Brand (Image: Lee Macaulay)

“We want to help raise that awareness. We’ve got highly-skilled, trained fighters here putting on a show for the paying public. It’s not a place for people off the street, have-a-go heroes and things like that.

“We’re trying to establish a pathway for people in Cumbria and beyond to come on a well-run show and really make their names in bare-knuckle boxing.

“The amount of people there exceeded our expectations. The venue and the quality of the fights were excellent.

"We had a message from Kearon Thomas, a former professional boxer of nearly 300 fights, who said he’d boxed all over the world but never before had he been looked after as he was on the night.

“That was the ultimate testimony to what we wanted to achieve. We wanted to give them the platform they deserve as the warriors they are.”

Peter said another of the night’s top fights was between Will Cairns and Carlisle’s Will Brand.

“Will Cairns was the better boxer but Will Brand got himself off the canvas three times in an unbelievable show of heart,” he said. “He mounted a late comeback – it wasn’t enough to get the judges’ decision, but it was a phenomenal contest.”

Other contests saw Corey Harrison defeat Russel Burns, Dan Park defeat Lewis Beattie, Martin Smith defeat Tom Gallacher, Phil Flavell defeat Jimmy Wilson, Andy Nunn defeat Jordan Wheater and Lee Clark defeat Jordan Brewer.

“We want to thank all those who came and supported us, and showed the night and the fighters the level they respect they did,” added Peter.

Ollie Lawrence (Image: Lee Macaulay)

Among the guests at WBKB was Danny Christie, the BKFC British light-heavyweight bare-knuckle champion from Currock in Carlisle.

Compere on the night was Ross Allan from the In The Red Korner podcast, with Louis Hoggett from The Fuse podcast live-streaming the event and interviewing fighters.

The event also promoted men’s mental health, with Andy’s Man Club among the organisations in attendance.

Sponsors included Bounty Competitions, Paton Bros Scaffolding Ltd, Maxwell Flooring, Xtreme Fitness, Eilbeck Motors, J Hogg, Lee Mawdsley Photography, Instablinds, Energy Wise Plumbing and Heating, Little Vape Cave, Robinsons Joiners, Builders and Maintenance Contractors and Malibu Sunset Tanning Studio.