Why Eastbourne ace Bash has to win next bare-knuckle fight

BKB promoters have told Eastbourne’s only professional bare-knuckle boxer that his fight on 11 October at the 02 London is ‘a must-win’. Fakhouri’s do-or-die follows a first-round loss on his debut in January.

Bash was dropped three times by the undefeated Paul Hilz, but showed great heart climbing off the canvas each time. Unfortunately, the referee called a halt to the action before Fakhouri could display his true potential.

Knockout artist Paul Hilz, who fights for the British Championship in October, had only praise for his opponent Bachir.

“Take nothing away from Bachir and full credit to him. He’s a tough man.”

Thus far, all of Hilz’s wins have come by first round knockout.

Naturally, 39-year-old Bash was disappointed with the outcome. “I got knocked down, but I needed to get back up and carry on. I won’t ever quit.”

Bash’s baptism of fire to the world’s fastest growing sport hasn’t put him off, and he is due to bounce back in just a few months’ time.

On Sunday 11 October, former kickboxing champion Fakhouri returns to the 02 London.

There, he faces the highly experienced Greg Mayne in front of a packed-out Indigo Room. Mayne has shared the ring with some of the sports best and is well-known for his durability.

Former Team GB taekwondo member Fakhouri has changed his tactics for his potentially final throw of the dice. “I’m going to come in a lot lighter this time round,” said Fakhouri, who has struggled to make weight in the past. “Months out, I’m already on weight and I’m the fittest I’ve been.”

BKB promoter Jim Freeman has warned this fight ‘may well be the last’ for the loser.

“I’m going to be a different animal this time as I need the win,” Fakhouri promised, “This isn’t going to be a pretty boxing match – it will be a real bare-knuckle war!”

You can contact Bachir Fakhouri for tickets to his climactic return to the ring.