Stefan Albert Hanks & BTTB:

The UK’s Longest-Running Bare-Knuckle 

Josh Clare – Bare Knuckle News UK

After speaking directly with Stefan Albert Hanks, it’s clear that Bad to the Bone BKB (BTTB) is far more than just another bare-knuckle promotion. It’s a movement that is shaping the future of UK bare-knuckle boxing, giving fighters real opportunities and keeping the sport true to its historic roots.

With BTTB now officially the longest-running bare-knuckle promotion in the UK and the only one in the world still using the original Queensbury Rules, Hanks has not only kept traditional BKB alive but has also helped push his fighters to global recognition.

While many promotions focus solely on their own brand, Hanks actively encourages his fighters to compete in other promotions, win belts elsewhere, and build real careers—even if it doesn’t directly benefit BTTB.

BTTB, BKB/BYB, & BKFC: The Biggest Platforms in Bare-Knuckle Boxing

BTTB is one of the biggest platforms in bare-knuckle boxing, standing alongside BKB/BYB and BKFC as the sport’s top organizations worldwide.

While each promotion has its own identity and rule set, these three promotions are at the forefront of the global bare-knuckle scene, giving fighters from all over the world the chance to compete at the highest level.

For fighters, this means more opportunities than ever before—whether it’s fighting under the historic Queensbury Rules in BTTB, competing in the international ranks of BKFC, or stepping into the trigon  for BKB/BYB

This is a rare attitude in combat sports, where most promoters work to keep fighters exclusive. But as Stefan told me in our conversation, his priority isn’t BTTB’s success—it’s his fighters’ success.

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The UK’s Longest-Running Bare-Knuckle Promotion

After BKB was solid to BYB, BTTB officially became the longest-running bare-knuckle promotion in the UK. While other promotions have changed ownership, shifted direction, or disappeared, BTTB has remained consistent—sticking to its fighter-first mentality and traditional roots.

Hanks has made it clear that BTTB isn’t just about putting on fights—it’s about giving fighters opportunities, exposure, and a platform to build their careers beyond the UK scene.

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Still Using Queensbury Rules – The Only One in the World

BTTB is the only promotion in the world that still follows the original Queensbury Rules, keeping the sport as raw and historic as it was meant to be.

Unlike other promotions that have modernized their rule sets, BTTB fighters compete under the same rules that formed modern boxing—a connection to history that no other organization offers.

Why does this matter?

Authentic bare-knuckle fighting – No overcomplicated rule changes, just pure, unfiltered combat.

A link to the sport’s origins – Fighting under the same rules that built modern boxing.

A unique platform for fighters – Competing under Queensbury Rules sets BTTB fighters apart from the rest.

When I asked Stefan why he insists on keeping Queensbury Rules, his answer was clear:

“Other promotions have gone in different directions, but we’re about keeping the sport how it was meant to be. These rules built the sport, and we’re keeping them alive.”

For fighters and fans, stepping into the BTTB ring means stepping into real, old-school bare-knuckle history—something you won’t get anywhere else.

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BTTB Fighters Global Stage and BKFC Italy & Beyond

One of the biggest things that separates BTTB from other promotions is how it actively helps fighters to compete on the biggest stages in the world aswell as bad to the bone

BTTB has already helped four UK-based fighters land contracts with BKFC Italy, proving that Hanks is serious about getting his fighters the biggest opportunities possible.

Haze ‘The Huntsman’ Hepi – A dangerous, aggressive fighter who earned his shot on the global stage.

Andrea Bicci – An Italian powerhouse who used BTTB as his launchpad.

Giovani Carpentari – A technical, explosive fighter proving himself in BKFC Italy.

Pappy – A relentless warrior who has shown that BTTB fighters can hang with the best.

Most UK promotions try to keep their fighters locked in, but Hanks’ goal is to get them to the highest level—whether that means BTTB, BKFC, or anywhere else.

“If I can help fighters get international fights and make bigger money elsewhere, why wouldn’t I? That’s the whole point of BTTB—to help fighters grow, not keep them stuck in one place.”

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Encouraging Fighters to Win Belts in Other Promotions

Another thing that separates BTTB from every other promotion in the sport is that Hanks has actively encouraged his fighters to fight for titles in other promotions—even when it doesn’t benefit BTTB directly.

Why?

Because Hanks believes fighters should get recognition from all fight fans, not just one promotion’s audience.

What does that mean?

Fighters from BTTB are able to fight for belts in different organizations and prove they are the best—no matter where they compete.

Why don’t other promotions do this?

Because most promoters put their own company first, not the fighters. Hanks does the opposite.

“At the end of the day, fighters deserve to be seen by every BKB fan, not just BTTB fans. If one of my guys wins a belt in another promotion, that’s good for them. That’s good for bare-knuckle boxing.”

Still Working with BKB & BKFC – Collaboration, Not Competition

Unlike most promotions that compete against each other, Hanks is actively working with BKB and BKFC to make sure his fighters get every opportunity possible.

Working with BKB – Giving fighters opportunities to stay active in both promotions.

Working with BKFC – Helping fighters face the best from around the globe

Keeping UK BKB alive – By working together, UK bare-knuckle boxing keeps growing.

“I don’t care about promotion rivalries—I care about fighters getting the best opportunities possible. If that means working with BKB, BKFC, or anyone else, I’ll do it. The sport is bigger than one company.”

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Training at Hanks’ Gym: Developing the Next Generation of Fighters

While many promoters sign fighters and leave them to figure out their own training, Hanks takes a completely different approach. He believes that if a fighter is going to represent BTTB, they should have the best possible training, conditioning, and mental preparation to succeed.

What Makes Training at Hanks’ Gym Different?

Bare-Knuckle Specific Training

– Training for bare-knuckle fights is different from traditional boxing or MMA. Fighters need to learn how to punch with proper knuckle alignment, how to avoid breaking their hands, and how to use bare-knuckle-specific defensive techniques.

Footwork & Fight IQ

– While BKB has a reputation for brawling, fighters at Hanks’ gym are taught the importance of footwork, angles, and counterpunching—giving them an advantage over fighters who just come forward swinging.

Conditioning for Bare-Knuckle

– Hanks makes sure his fighters build their gas tanks properly, working on high-intensity endurance, explosive strength, and grip conditioning to ensure they can last in a bare-knuckle war.

Mental Toughness Training – Bare-knuckle boxing is as much mental as it is physical. Hanks helps his fighters develop a warrior mindset, pushing them through brutal training sessions to make sure they don’t fold under pressure in the ring.

Technical Sparring & Fight Simulation – Unlike traditional boxing where fighters rely on gloves for defense, bare-knuckle training requires different blocking, head movement, and clinch strategies. Hanks ensures his fighters are ready for real BKB action by running bare-knuckle-specific sparring drills.

When I asked Hanks about his hands-on approach to training, he told me:

“I wouldn’t ask my fighters to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. If you’re going to represent BTTB, you’re going to train like a professional, you’re going to fight smart, and you’re going to be ready for war.”

Helping Fighters at Every Level: From Beginners to  Champions

One of the things that sets Hanks apart from other promoters is that he doesn’t just work with elite fighters—he helps anyone willing to put in the work.

Who Does Hanks Train?

Beginners Looking to Get Into BKB – If you’re new to the sport, Hanks provides a structured training environment to help you develop the skills, conditioning, and mindset needed to compete.

BTTB Fighters Preparing for Wars – Fighters signed to BTTB get access to his coaching, sparring, and fight-specific training to make sure they’re fully prepared for battle.

 Fighters Looking to Move Up – Hanks has already helped fighters with contracts from other top promotions, and his training has played a big role in getting them ready for the big stage.

Veterans & Fighters Using Boxing as a Life Change – Many of the fighters in his gym come from tough backgrounds, including ex-military personnel and people overcoming personal struggles. Hanks helps them channel their energy into the sport and turn their lives around.

BTTB’s Work Against Knife Crime & Mental Health Awareness

Beyond fighting, Hanks is also working to make a difference outside the ring, using boxing to help at-risk youth and raise awareness for mental health issues.

Fighting Knife Crime in Stoke

Helping young people stay off the streets and out of trouble.

Providing a structured environment where they can channel aggression positively.

Giving them a sense of purpose and discipline through boxing.

“So many of these kids think they don’t have options. Boxing gives them one. It gives them a reason to stay out of trouble, something to train for, and a place where they belong.”

Mental Health & Boxing

Exercise improves mental health, reduces stress, and builds confidence.

The boxing gym provides a support system and a sense of belonging.

BTTB promotes open conversations about mental health among fighters.

“I’ve seen boxing save lives. It gives people purpose. When you’re training, when you’re fighting, you’re fighting for something bigger than yourself.”

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The Future of BTTB & Bare-Knuckle Boxing

Remain one of the most respected bare knuckle companies in the world

More deals with international promotions.

The Queensbury Rules will be upheld, keeping the sport historic and real.

The Bad to the Bone Super Fight Series will continue developing top talent.

More young people will be kept away from knife crime and given opportunities through boxing.

Mental health awareness will continue to be a major focus in the sport.

BTTB isn’t just another fight promotion—it’s a movement.

And as Stefan Albert Hanks told me himself:

“I don’t do this for money. I don’t do it for me. we do it for the fighters. That’s what BTTB is about.”

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Follow BTTB & Stefan Albert Hanks

📌 BTTB Facebook: Click Here

📌 Stefan Hanks Instagram: Click Here

Bare-knuckle boxing isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.

And BTTB is leading the way.