Bare Knuckle Boxing is expanding its footprint across borders, with its next event scheduled for September 19 in Tijuana. Marking the promotion’s inaugural event in Mexico, the partnership with Zanfer Promotions has paved the way for what Zanfer president Fernando Beltran described as a monumental step for the sport in the region. BKB CEO David Tetreault affirmed the company’s commitment to establishing a lasting presence in the Mexican market.
The card will be headlined by Tijuana native and reigning BKB Super Cruiserweight World Champion Julian Fernandez. Fernandez will put his title on the line against Dan Podmore, while Cecy Ulloa and Andy Nguyen clash for the vacant BKB Super Flyweight World Championship.
The expansion into the Mexican market, coupled with the promotion’s surging popularity on TikTok, has generated significant anticipation for the upcoming card.
BKB 59 Key Facts
- Event: BKB 59
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Venue: Auditorio Municipal de Tijuana, Tijuana, Mexico
- Significance: BKB’s first event in Mexico
- Promotional Partner: Zanfer Promotions
- Partnership Announced: July 1, 2026
- Main Event: Julian Fernandez vs. Dan Podmore (BKB Super Cruiserweight World Championship)
- Co-Main Event: Cecy Ulloa vs. Andy Nguyen (Vacant BKB Super Flyweight World Championship)
- Fernandez Record: 3-0 in bare knuckle (2-0 in BKB)
- Podmore Record: 9-4, former three-division BKB champion
- Tickets: Arema.mx
- Start Time: Not announced
- Broadcast: Not announced
BKB finalized its agreement with Zanfer on July 1, solidifying the September 19 date. As Latin America’s premier boxing promoter, Zanfer facilitated a deal that BKB views as a gateway to a new region for broadcast distribution, sponsorships, and live event operations—not merely a single exhibition. At 32 years old, Fernandez fights out of Tijuana and remains undefeated in bare knuckle, never having gone the distance. Podmore, posting a 9-4 record, is a veteran who has previously claimed BKB titles across three weight classes.
Following his recent contract extension, Fernandez has been strategically positioned as the headliner of the BKB 59 card, where he is expected to draw a substantial local following.
BKB 59 Announced Card
Card per BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing. Supporting bouts are still being added.
| Bout | Division | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Julian Fernandez (3-0) vs. Dan Podmore (9-4) | Super cruiserweight | BKB Super Cruiserweight World Championship |
| Cecy Ulloa (2-1) vs. Andy Nguyen (1-1) | Super flyweight | Vacant BKB Super Flyweight World Championship |
| Remaining bouts: To be announced | ||
Who BKB Has Signed in Recent Months
Roster additions via The Ring.
| Fighter | Boxing Credential |
|---|---|
| Paulie Malignaggi | Former two-division world champion |
| Victor Ortiz | Former WBC welterweight champion |
| Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. | Former IBF super featherweight champion |
| Alfredo Angulo | Former WBO interim light middleweight champion |
| Yuriorkis Gamboa | Olympic gold medalist and former unified champion |
| Lee Selby | Former IBF featherweight champion |
| Lucas Browne | Former WBA heavyweight champion |
| Hank Lundy | Former title challenger |
| John Molina Jr. | Former title challenger |
| Fernando Vargas Jr. | Son of Fernando Vargas |
| Amado Vargas | Son of Fernando Vargas |
I’ll have results and reactions following this event.
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