Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. will make his transition to bare knuckle boxing on July 18, 2026, after signing a multi-fight deal with the BKB organization. The former two-division world champion is scheduled to debut at BKB 56 at The Novo at L.A. LIVE in Downtown Los Angeles. This move comes less than a month after his most recent professional boxing defeat.
The 33-year-old southpaw is looking to reset his fighting career following a difficult run of results in the squared circle. Diaz most recently competed on June 19, 2026, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, where he lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Ashton Sylve. Judges scored the contest 98-92 and 97-93 twice in favor of the younger Sylve.
Diaz, a 2012 Olympian, enters this new chapter with a professional boxing record of 34-10-1 and 15 knockouts. He is widely recognized for his aggressive style and willingness to engage, qualities that BKB leadership believes will translate effectively to bare-knuckle competition. His debut will be available for free on the promotion’s official TikTok channel and will stream live on DAZN.
Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. moves to bare knuckle boxing
The decision to join BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing follows a period where Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. struggled to find consistent success in professional boxing. He has lost six of his last seven contests, including his last three bouts by 10-round unanimous decisions. This decline in form began shortly after he reached the pinnacle of the sport, having previously captured world titles at both super featherweight and lightweight.
Diaz held the IBF Super Featherweight title from 2020 to 2021 after a career-best performance against Tevin Farmer. But he was stripped of the belt in February 2021 after missing weight for a defense against Shavkat Rakhimov. Since then, he has faced elite competition but found himself on the wrong side of decisions against high-level opponents.
His recent losing streak includes defeats to Alexis Rocha and Regis Prograis, as well as a stoppage loss to Oscar Duarte in April 2024. Despite these setbacks, Diaz remains a durable veteran who has only been stopped once in his 45-fight professional career. Fans are eager to see if he can find a second wind in a sport that demands the same grit he displayed throughout his amateur and professional boxing tenures.
Rebuilding after a difficult run in professional boxing
Transitioning to a new discipline allows Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. to leverage his experience while adapting to a faster, more explosive pace. He noted that he has spent his entire career testing himself against world-class opposition. This move to bare knuckle is simply the next iteration of that competitive drive.
The physical demands of bare knuckle fighting differ significantly from traditional boxing, particularly regarding hand health and defensive awareness. Diaz has averaged eight rounds per fight in boxing, but bare knuckle rounds are generally shorter and more intense. Much like the anticipation surrounding an Andy Ruiz Jr. return to the ring, the combat sports world is watching to see how a seasoned veteran handles a fresh environment.
BKB CEO David Tetreault emphasized that Diaz is the exact type of world-class athlete the organization needs to elevate its brand. Tetreault cited the fighter’s pressure style and toughness as natural fits for the sport. For Diaz, fighting in Los Angeles provides an added layer of motivation as he performs in front of his hometown supporters.
BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing expansion into California
BKB 56 marks a milestone for the promotion as it makes its official California debut. The organization is currently undergoing a period of rapid growth and rebranding following its earlier history as the BYB Extreme Fighting Series. In early 2025, the company officially rebranded to BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing.
This change followed the acquisition of a UK-based bare knuckle promotion, allowing the entity to unify its legacy and expand its international roster. The move into the California market is a strategic attempt to capture a fan base that has historically supported both traditional boxing and mixed martial arts. By bringing a card to Downtown Los Angeles, the promotion is placing its product in one of the most competitive fight markets in the world.
The event will be hosted at The Novo, a venue located within the L.A. LIVE complex. Doors are scheduled to open at 4:00 PM PT, with the first fights beginning at 5:00 PM PT. The promotion is leveraging several high-profile boxing names to ensure the event garners mainstream attention beyond the traditional bare-knuckle audience.
Broadcast strategy across DAZN and TikTok channels
To maximize reach, BKB is utilizing a multi-platform broadcast strategy that includes both established streaming services and social media. BKB 56 will stream live on DAZN, providing the event with a global platform. This partnership ensures that fans of traditional boxing can easily find and watch the transition of former world champions into the bare-knuckle ranks.
Additionally, the promotion is offering the Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. bout for free on its official TikTok channel. This approach targets a younger demographic and reduces the barrier to entry for casual viewers. It mirrors broader trends in the industry where promotions seek to balance premium broadcast deals with high-visibility social media engagement.
The inclusion of fighters with strong amateur backgrounds and high-level professional success brings a new layer of legitimacy to the sport. As seen with prospects like Richard Torrez Jr., fans often follow athletes across different formats if their fundamental skills are proven. Diaz brings a decade of top-tier experience that the promotion hopes will convert boxing purists into bare-knuckle supporters.
Victor Ortiz headlines veteran debuts at The Novo
Diaz is not the only former world boxing champion making his debut on the July 18 card. BKB 56 will also feature the bare-knuckle debuts of Victor Ortiz and Alfredo Angulo. Ortiz, a former WBC Welterweight World Champion, brings a professional boxing record of 33-7-3 and 25 knockouts to the event.
Known for his high-profile battles against the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Ortiz has long been a recognizable name in the sport. His participation adds significant drawing power to the Los Angeles event. Joining him is Alfredo Angulo, a fighter whose rugged style has earned him the nickname “El Perro” and a reputation for durability.
Angulo previously earned a 90-second knockout in a bare-knuckle contest, proving that his heavy hands can translate effectively without gloves. The concentration of three former world-class boxers on a single card is a deliberate move by the promotion to showcase the “toughness” required for this discipline. While some critics question the move for aging veterans, the fighters themselves view it as a way to extend their careers in a growing market.
Full fighter lineup for BKB 56 in Los Angeles
The BKB 56 card is shaping up to be one of the most talent-dense events in the promotion’s history. Beyond the boxing veterans, the lineup includes several established bare-knuckle stars and unbeaten contenders. Two-division BKB world champion LT “Smash” Nelson is scheduled to appear, alongside the undefeated Adel Altamimi.
Altamimi, a former standout in Bellator, has become a prominent figure in the organization. The full roster announced for the event includes:
- Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (Debut)
- Victor Ortiz (Debut)
- Alfredo Angulo (Debut)
- Lorawnt-T “Smash” Nelson (Middleweight)
- Adel Altamimi (Super Welterweight)
- Dominic Salcido (Super Welterweight)
- Serob Minasyan (Super Middleweight)
- Rashad Bowens (Super Welterweight)
- Henry Corrales (Super Welterweight)
- Ihor Blazhenko (Super Welterweight)
- Eduardo Perez (Super Middleweight)
- Rowdy Montgomery (Super Middleweight)
- Matt Socholotiuk (Heavyweight)
- Jesse Sparks (Heavyweight)
- Nathan Mullett (Light Heavyweight)
- Ozzie Alvarez (Light Heavyweight)
- Kaine Tomlinson Jr. (Cruiserweight)
- Said Abdulgaziev (Cruiserweight)
- Zion Tomlinson (Heavyweight)
- Jorge Martinez
While some specific matchups are still being finalized, BKB has stated that more details will be released in the coming weeks. The mix of veteran boxers and specialized bare-knuckle fighters creates a unique dynamic for the Los Angeles crowd.
Future implications for former boxing world champions
The transition of Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. represents a growing trend of professional boxers seeking new opportunities in alternative combat formats. As traditional boxing continues to face issues with scheduling and promotional disputes, bare knuckle offers a more frequent fighting rhythm for established names. For Diaz, this is about finding a platform that rewards his relentless, come-forward style.
The physical toll of these fights is undeniable, but the athletes involved argue that the shorter rounds and different striking mechanics change the nature of the damage taken. As discussed regarding other aging legends like Terence Crawford, the longevity of a fighter’s career often depends on their ability to adapt to new realities. Diaz is betting that his boxing fundamentals will provide an edge over competitors who may lack his high-level ring generalship.
BKB 56 will serve as a litmus test for whether name recognition can drive sustained growth for the promotion in the United States. With a broadcast deal on DAZN and a free stream for the Diaz fight on TikTok, the organization is removing many of the traditional barriers to viewing. If Diaz, Ortiz, and Angulo can deliver competitive performances, it may signal a new era where bare knuckle becomes a primary destination for veteran boxers.
Diaz remains confident in his decision. He has promised to give the fans everything he has when he steps into the ring on July 18. In his own words, his entire career has been about testing himself against the best, and bare knuckle boxing is simply the latest iteration of that philosophy. The Los Angeles fans at The Novo will soon find out if his trademark aggression is enough to conquer this new frontier.
