James Lilley was originally scheduled to compete for the BKFC UK featherweight title later this week. However, due to Gary Fox’s withdrawal, Lilley will now move up a division. The anticipated bout against Fox carried significant weight, and Lilley previously remarked, “On any other card, I believe it would be the main event. But Mick Terrill is from Newcastle, a former heavyweight champion, so there’s no real argument against him headlining. Still, I think on most other events, this would have been the main fight.”
A Defining Career Opportunity Slips Away for James Lilley
Lilley was poised to make a significant impact and potentially join an exclusive group of fighters who have secured championship titles under both the BKFC and BKB banners. This aspiration connects to Mick Terrill, who has notably held gold in both promotions.
Reflecting on his victory over Scott McHugh at BKB 21 and envisioning the ultimate achievement of becoming a multi-promotional champion in bare-knuckle combat, Lilley shared: “It’s a peculiar situation for me because I’ve challenged for several titles throughout my career – in MMA, boxing, bare-knuckle, BKB, and then BKFC – yet I only managed to capture the BKB one. So, it makes you wonder if it will ever happen again. I’m prepared to go through hell to get that belt. But yes, I believe being a BKFC champion would truly validate the last 20 years of my career, proving I’ve accomplished something.” He further elaborated, “Currently, I consider myself an elite fighter; I’ve faced some formidable opponents. But that belt would simply encapsulate everything I’ve been working towards, and it’s my sole focus right now. I don’t care about the money or the fame that comes with it. I just want that belt so I can proudly say I was a BKFC champion and have something to show my kids in 10 or 20 years.”
The opportunity to make history will be temporarily on hold, as ‘Lights Out’ Lilley announced on social media that his fight with Fox is expected to be re-booked in a few months. The BKFC UK promoter also confirmed Fox’s withdrawal was due to unforeseen circumstances.
The former BKFC lightweight title challenger will no longer compete for the UK title at 145 pounds against Fox. Instead, he will return to the 155-pound division for this short-notice fight. Josué Ekedi has now stepped in to face the accomplished bare-knuckle boxer in a last-minute lightweight bout set for BKFC Fight Night Newcastle at Utilita Arena Newcastle on March 14th.