Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing here to stay following a successful debut in Porterville

Billy Evangelista, BDBK 1 - Cali Fights Magazine

Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing held their inaugural event on Saturday March 8th 2025 from the original home of the Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville, Ca. Fight fans would make their way up the mountain to the Tule River Reservation for a night of Bare Knuckle Boxing that the Valley had been waiting for.

“Leave the pups at home and let the Big Dawgs swing” is the motto for the upstart Bare Knuckle promotion. That has the Central Valley’s own “Big” Lavar Johnson leading the way to help give Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing a great start.

Big Dawg BKB 1 would take place from the event center, where if you look back far enough in Central Valley MMA history. You might find some action shots of your favorite MMA fighters with that same background. What was once home to Gladiator Challenge and The Warriors Cage, would now be home to Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing 1.

Billy Evangelista, BDBK 1 - Cali Fights Magazine

The main event would see Strikeforce and TWC veteran Billy “Bad Ass” Evangelista defeat combat journeyman Idris Wasi by tko. Evangelista spoke to Valley Fight News.com prior to the event saying the bare knuckle boxing match was on his bucket list, but not to rule out a Karate Combat debut in the future. Evangelista returned after seven years away from competition to pick up the win.

JC Llamas vs Joey Cabezas, BDBK 1 - Cali Fights Magazine

In the co main event Bakersfield’s JC Llamas defeats Joey Cabezas by tko in round 5. Two fighters that are also very familiar with the venue went to war leaving it all in the ring. The experience in bare knuckle fights helped Llamas earn the win in a fight that had the crowd on their feet.

Kenny Clark vs Jeff Carson, BDBK 1 - Cali Fights Magazine

Kenny Clark defeated Jeff Carson by tko in round 1 after dropping Carson three times, before the referee waved off the fight.

Kelvin Fitial, BDBK 1 - Cali Fights Magazine

In heavyweight action Kelvin Fitial defeats Fresno’s Brandon Cash by tko.

In other results:

Tanner Johnson defeated Jaylen Davis by tko, landing a right hook that ended the fight in round 1.

Lil Bear Johnson defeated Cody Sons by tko in round 2.

Jeramy Titsworth defeats Lonnie Campell by tko.

Dominic Escamillia defeated Michael Gaxiola.

Marc Banuelos stops Mitchell Wilson by tko.

"Not a single seat was needed tonight at Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing! The entire crowd was up on their feet the whole night!", said Marcial Marmolejo of Cali Fights Magazine, who was ringside for Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing 1. "Label this first bare knuckle boxing event a huge success!"

Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing will be back with a date to be announced soon!

Visit www.bigdawgbkb.com for more info.

Check out www.califights.com for more great photos.

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By: Daniel "Big Trip" Quintana www.noweakshitever.com