West Cumbrian bare-knuckle boxer Bartek Kanabey is in top shape for his big BKFC fight this weekend, his coach says.
The Maryport-based fighter is set to take on Sunderland’s Lewis Garside in a featherweight contest in Newcastle on Saturday night.
It will be Kanabey’s fourth fight on the major BKFC platform as he bids to make further progress in the fast-growing sport.
Kanabey trains at Just Grind in Workington and coach Dave Straughton says the man nicknamed ‘the Polish Plough’ is looking sharp and ready.
Garside stepped in after original opponent Ray Putterill pulled out. “That doesn’t really affect how we prepare,” Straughton said.
“This guy's a lot shorter, so it’s actually the first time Bartek's ever had a reach advantage in any fight ever. So it'll be nice to have that in our favour for once.
“He’s coming down a weight for this fight. He’s got a nutritionist, Mike Shredz, now, and he’s done a brilliant job bringing the weight down. It's been effortless.
“He’s looking in his best shape ever. He’s super fit. He’s always in good shape, Bartek, and we don't feel like he's lost any power or strength going down in weight.
“He’s going to be six kilos lighter than last time. And he doesn't feel like he's lost any pop at all.”
The Maryport boxer has two wins and one defeat from his BKFC fights so far (Image: BKFC)
Kanabey, whose success in the west Cumbrian WBKB events helped earn his shot at the BKFC, has two wins and one defeat from his previous fights.
Last time out he was defeated by Jack Culshaw in Newcastle last July, after victories over Bakhtyor Kudratov in Milton Keynes and against Shaun Kissane in Liverpool in 2023.
His experience so far, says Straughton, will be a “big factor” as he prepares to face Garside at BKFC Fight Night Newcastle in the Walker Activity Dome.
“Bare-knuckle is different to any other fighting sport,” the coach said. “Once you take your padding away from gloves and everything, it does change things
“The fact that he's had a few fights now, and fought on the big stage as well – Milton Keynes was a big show – it’s got to help.”
Kanabey recently signed a new four-fight deal with the BKFC.
“He was always in good standing with them, and although he lost his last fight, it must have been the bravest performance of the night,” said Straughton.
“That's one of the things that they want to see. David Feldman, who runs the entire BKFC, said getting the contract isn't about winning and losing, it's about fighting your heart out and showing that you're a real fighter.
“Bartek definitely did that and he got the reward.”
The boxer will have plenty of support both from west Cumbria and from fans from his Polish homeland this weekend.
“I know there’s plenty of folk coming over – he’s always well supported,” said Straughton. “As well as the local fans from west Cumbria, there's a few Poles from around the country that travel to watch him too.
“The fact he’s signed this four-fight deal will hopefully prove more attractive to sponsors too.”
Kanabey is one of two west Cumbrians making his mark in the BKFC, with Egremont’s Agi Faulkner the reigning European heavyweight champion. Carlisle’s Danny Christie was also a British light-heavyweight champion and fought for the world middleweight title before retiring from the BKFC last year.
For more information on BKFC Fight Night Newcastle, including tickets and how to watch, visit the BKFC website HERE.
