Victor Ortiz Goes Bare Knuckle

"Vicious" Victor Ortiz, now 39, was once a dominant force in the welterweight division, capturing the WBC world title in a memorable 2011 brawl against an undefeated Andre Berto. His professional gloved record stands at 33 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws, with 25 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Ortiz is no stranger to the spotlight, having faced pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a highly controversial 2011 pay-per-view event. Beyond the ring, he has maintained a public profile with roles in films like "The Expendables 3" and an appearance on the television show "Dancing with the Stars." He joins a growing list of traditional boxers crossing over to the bare-knuckle scene. BKB has also signed other former world champions, including Paulie Malignaggi, Lee Selby, and Yuriorkis Gamboa, signaling a trend of established names seeking new challenges in the more primal version of the sport. The sport of bare-knuckle boxing, which has its modern roots in 17th-century England, operates under a distinct set of rules. Fighters are generally not allowed to wrap their hands within one inch of the knuckles, and fights often take place in a circular ring. The absence of gloves fundamentally changes offensive and defensive strategies, placing a premium on precision and durability. BKB, the promotion Ortiz has signed with, originated from the backyard fighting scene and has since expanded globally, hosting events in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. The organization recently merged with its UK-based namesake to become one of the largest entities in the rapidly growing combat sport. While a date and opponent for his debut are still to be announced, Ortiz has stated his goal is to win another world title. His entrance into bare-knuckle fighting represents a significant new chapter in a career that has spanned over two decades since he turned professional at age 17.