Marko Martinjak, the Bridgerweight champion in Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB), has stated that facing Oleksandr Usyk in a bare knuckle bout would be less challenging than confronting Tyson Fury. Martinjak, who previously held the BKB super cruiserweight title before focusing on the heavier bridgerweight division, shared his insights on the differences between the two boxing stars in a gloveless context.
Martinjak explained his focus on bridgerweight, noting that he considers himself a “small heavyweight” at around 220-225 pounds. He acknowledged Oleksandr Usyk’s success in professional boxing despite a size disadvantage against larger opponents but doesn’t see himself transitioning to the true heavyweight category. He aims to dominate bridgerweight and is open to future possibilities.
Regarding his previous comments about potentially fighting Usyk in bare knuckle boxing and his confidence in winning, Martinjak elaborated on why he perceives Usyk as a more accessible opponent than Tyson Fury in this specific discipline. He contrasted this with his more hesitant stance on facing Fury in a bare knuckle environment.
When questioned about the size disparity as the primary factor in his assessment, Martinjak confirmed that it plays a significant role. He pointed out that while Usyk might be only a few centimeters taller and of a similar weight to him, Tyson Fury is considerably larger at 6’9″ and weighing between 270-280 pounds. Martinjak stated that the sheer height difference would make it difficult to land effective blows on Fury in bare knuckle boxing, a discipline that doesn’t allow for jumping to gain reach. He believes that due to this size advantage, Tyson Fury would defeat him. However, he asserted that if they were of comparable size, he would win against Fury in bare knuckle boxing, emphasizing that it is his specialty and that his past combat sports experience has prepared him for this unique fighting style.
Oleksandr Usyk Would Be Easier in Bare Knuckle Than Tyson Fury, per BKB’s Emperor
Marko Martinjak, the Bridgerweight champion of Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB), has opined that Oleksandr Usyk would present a less formidable challenge in a bare knuckle fight compared to Tyson Fury. Martinjak, who relinquished his BKB super cruiserweight title to concentrate on the heavier bridgerweight division, explained his perspective on why Usyk would be a more manageable opponent than Fury in a gloveless contest.
Martinjak elaborated on his preference for the bridgerweight division, describing himself as a “small heavyweight” weighing around 220-225 pounds. He acknowledged Oleksandr Usyk’s achievements in professional boxing despite facing larger opponents but indicated he doesn’t see himself competing as a true heavyweight. His current ambition is to conquer the bridgerweight division.
Further discussing his views, Martinjak clarified comments he made about a potential bare knuckle bout with Oleksandr Usyk, where he expressed confidence in his ability to win. He contrasted this with a more reserved outlook on fighting Tyson Fury in BKB, where his confidence in securing a victory seemed diminished.
When asked if the size difference between Fury and Usyk was the basis for this assessment, despite Usyk’s previous victories over Fury under traditional boxing rules, Martinjak confirmed the significance of size. He noted that while Usyk is roughly his height and weight, Tyson Fury is considerably larger at 6’9″ and weighing approximately 270-280 pounds. Martinjak highlighted the practical difficulties of fighting such a significantly taller opponent in bare knuckle boxing, where jumping is not feasible. He concluded that Fury’s size would be a decisive advantage, leading to his own defeat against ‘The Gypsy King’ in a bare knuckle scenario. However, Martinjak confidently stated that if they were of equal stature, he would win against Fury in bare knuckle, asserting that it is his natural domain and that his extensive background in various combat sports has perfectly prepared him to be the bare knuckle fighter he is today.
Marko Martinjak: Usyk Easier Bare Knuckle Fight Than Fury
Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) Bridgerweight champion Marko Martinjak believes that Oleksandr Usyk would be a more straightforward opponent in a bare knuckle boxing match than Tyson Fury. Martinjak, who stepped away from his BKB super cruiserweight title to focus on the heavier bridgerweight division, shared his views on the differences between the two renowned boxers in a bare knuckle setting.
Martinjak described himself as a “small heavyweight” in terms of his physique, weighing between 220 and 225 pounds. He acknowledged Usyk’s remarkable success in professional boxing despite often being the smaller man against heavyweight contenders. However, Martinjak does not envision himself moving up to the full heavyweight ranks, preferring to focus on dominating the bridgerweight division for the time being.
In a notable interview, Martinjak had previously expressed enthusiasm for a potential bare knuckle fight against Oleksandr Usyk, projecting confidence in his ability to emerge victorious. In contrast, he appeared less eager and confident about facing Tyson Fury in a bare knuckle contest.
When pressed on whether the disparity in size between Fury and Usyk was the root of this differing assessment, Martinjak affirmed that size is a crucial factor. He explained that while Usyk is similar in height and weight to him, Tyson Fury is significantly larger, standing at 6’9″ and weighing around 270-280 pounds. Martinjak pointed out the impracticality of effectively attacking such a tall opponent in bare knuckle boxing, where a fighter cannot jump to compensate for reach. Consequently, he believes Fury’s size advantage would inevitably lead to his defeat. However, Martinjak confidently asserted that if he and Fury were of comparable size, he would defeat ‘The Gypsy King’ in bare knuckle boxing, emphasizing his natural aptitude for the sport and how his diverse combat sports background has shaped him into the bare knuckle fighter he is today.