Fernandez: Fury, Ruiz Sightings Prove BKB's Growth

Julian Fernandez says Tyson Fury's appearance at a bare-knuckle boxing event and Andy Ruiz's attendance at his own title defense are proof of how far BKB has come. Fernandez, BKB's super cruiserweight champion, defends the Police Gazette diamond title against four-time, three-division BKB champion Dan Podmore this Saturday at BKB 59 in Tijuana, the promotion's first card in Mexico.

Fernandez, who also boxes professionally as a Mexican national champion, said Fury's presence at BKB 58 in Miami on August 29 resonated with him personally given the overlap in opposition between the two heavyweights over their careers. "He's very proud to be part of and a champion of bare knuckle boxing," Fernandez said, adding that seeing Fury at ringside made him "very excited and proud as well" to see one of the sport's biggest names take an interest.

Why Andy Ruiz Being Ringside Matters for BKB 59

Andy Ruiz, Mexico's first heavyweight world champion, is scheduled to attend BKB 59 in person to watch Fernandez defend his title against Podmore. Fernandez confirmed Ruiz's planned attendance while keeping his attention on the fight itself, saying simply, "He's excited. I mean, he brought [Andy Ruiz] up." For a promotion running its debut Mexico show, having a fighter of Ruiz's stature in the building is a credibility marker, not just a photo opportunity.

Fernandez Sees Bigger Picture Beyond the Belt

Fernandez frames his own title reign as part of a broader shift in how boxing's biggest names view bare-knuckle competition. He pointed to BKB's roster already including former world title challengers Victor Ortiz and Alfredo Angulo, saying that lineup combined with Fury and Ruiz showing up "just goes to show the metamorphic growth of BKB and bare knuckle boxing in general." That's the case Fernandez is making with his fists this weekend as much as his words, defending against a champion in Podmore who has already won titles across three separate weight classes in the promotion.

The stakes for Fernandez are straightforward. Beat a four-time champion in Podmore on BKB's first Mexico card, in front of a countryman in Ruiz, and the crossover attention bare-knuckle boxing is picking up from mainstream boxing stars only builds. A loss undercuts the moment just as the sport is drawing eyeballs from names like Fury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Julian Fernandez fighting at BKB 59?

Julian Fernandez defends his BKB super cruiserweight Police Gazette diamond title against four-time, three-division champion Dan Podmore at BKB 59 in Tijuana on September 19.

Will Andy Ruiz attend BKB 59?

Yes, Andy Ruiz is set to attend BKB 59 in Tijuana in person to watch Julian Fernandez's title defense against Dan Podmore.

Did Tyson Fury attend a BKB event?

Tyson Fury appeared at BKB 58 in Miami on August 29, an appearance that BKB champion Julian Fernandez says highlights bare-knuckle boxing's growing profile.