Olympic Champion Set for Bare-Knuckle Debut
Olympic gold medallist and former multi-weight world boxing champion Yuriorkis Gamboa has officially signed a multi-fight, multi-year agreement with BKB Bare Knuckle in what is being described as one of the promotion’s biggest signings to date. The Cuban veteran is expected to make his bare-knuckle debut in the coming months as he pursues another world title and aims to extend his already decorated combat sports legacy.
A Decorated Career in Professional Boxing
Known as “El Ciclón de Guantánamo” for his fast-paced and explosive style, Gamboa enters the organisation with an extensive résumé. He captured Olympic gold in 2004 in the flyweight division before turning professional, where he competed from 2007 to 2022.
During his pro career, Gamboa held the WBA featherweight world title and later unified it with the IBF belt, becoming the first Cuban boxer to secure an IBF world championship. He also claimed interim world titles at both super featherweight and lightweight, and shared the ring with elite names including Terence Crawford, Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz.
Inspired by the Bare-Knuckle Stage
Gamboa’s move into bare-knuckle boxing follows his attendance at a recent BKB event, where he was reportedly impressed by the scale of the production, the crowd energy and the overall presentation of the sport. The former champion has expressed strong enthusiasm about competing in what he views as boxing’s original format and is determined to prove he can reach the summit once again.
BKB executives have welcomed the deal, describing Gamboa as a high-impact addition whose Olympic pedigree, championship experience and battles against top-tier opponents significantly raise the promotion’s global profile. His arrival adds further star power to a roster that already includes several well-known boxers who have successfully transitioned into bare-knuckle competition.
More Details Expected Soon
The signing is being seen as another milestone in BKB’s continued growth and its increasing ability to attract established names from traditional boxing. Official details regarding Gamboa’s debut bout and future event appearances are expected to be announced in the near future.
