Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is set to make its Italian debut with a highly anticipated event on April 26, 2025, at the Palazzo Wanny in Florence. The co-main event features a thrilling trilogy bout between Ireland’s Jimmy “The King” Sweeney and England’s Rico “Bon Bon” Franco, competing for the BKFC European Title.
Sweeney, boasting a regional record of 2 9-4, has previously faced Franco twice, with each fighter securing a victory. Their first encounter on November 16, 2019, saw Franco emerge victorious, while Sweeney claimed the win in their rematch on September 21, 2021. This upcoming bout not only serves as the climax of their rivalry but also marks Sweeney’s debut under the BKFC banner.
Franco, currently ranked #3 in the welterweight division, holds a professional bare-knuckle record of 9-3, with seven of those wins by knockout. Known for his aggressive style and resilience, Franco has been a formidable presence in the BKFC arena.
BKFC President David Feldman expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “The rematch between Chris Camozzi and Lorenzo Hunt has all the makings of a ‘Fight of the Year’ clash. Our co-main event, the third fight between Rico Franco and Jimmy Sweeney, matches two of the toughest bare-knuckle fighters from Europe.”
Adding to the event’s allure, BKFC co-owner Conor McGregor hosted the launch press conference in Florence on February 16, 2025, further elevating the profile of this historic occasion.
As the date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate this high-stakes trilogy bout, expecting an intense and unforgettable showdown between two of Europe’s premier bare-knuckle fighters.
