#United States #Miami #IBABareKnuckle #VyacheslavBorshchev #AlanSalamov

A Major Milestone for IBA Bare Knuckle in the U.S.

The IBA Bare Knuckle promotion made waves as it celebrated a historic debut in the United States, holding a spectacular event on a vibrant night at the James L. Knight Center in Downtown Miami. This landmark occasion not only showcased the thrilling action of bare-knuckle boxing but also brought together elite athletes from disciplines such as boxing, MMA, and kickboxing, creating a unified platform for combat sports enthusiasts.

The event was hosted by MMA legend Jon "Bones" Jones, who filled the role of official ambassador for the evening. Adding to the star-studded atmosphere, respected commentators Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Mike Goldberg guided the audience through the action.

In the spotlight of the night, former UFC fighter Vyacheslav "Slava Claus" Borshchev made his bare-knuckle debut. The Russian fighter demonstrated his skill and tenacity by defeating Elvin "El Bandido" Brito of Puerto Rico via unanimous decision after five intense rounds, proving that he is a formidable presence in this new arena.

Meanwhile, the co-main event featured undefeated mixed martial artist Alan "The Highlander" Salamov, who faced American veteran Markus "Murk" Suarez. Salamov made an indelible mark in his bare-knuckle debut as he stopped Suarez with a technical knockout in just the opening round, raising eyebrows and showcasing the potential of this rising star.

Chris Roberts OBE, the Secretary General and CEO of IBA, expressed immense pride and enthusiasm about this momentous occasion. He stated, "Our successful entry into the United States represents a pivotal moment for IBA Bare Knuckle. Miami brought incredible energy, but the real victory was showing that bare-knuckle boxing can operate at the highest level of professionalism and governance. We do what is right, not what is easy, and building that trust is what will drive our global expansion forward."

The organization's entry into the U.S. market is not merely about the fights; it's part of a strategic vision to expand IBA Bare Knuckle's reach and solidify its fighter-first model in the global combat sports landscape. As they forge ahead, the IBA aims to make significant strides in the American market, with the Miami event serving as a launchpad for future endeavors in 2026 and beyond.

IBA Bare Knuckle Fight Results

1. Vyacheslav Borshchev (RUS) defeated Elvin Brito (PUR) by unanimous decision.
2. Alan Salamov (RUS) defeated Markus Suarez (USA) by technical knockout in the first round.
3. Javier Fortuna (DOM) defeated Alejandro Munera (COL) by unanimous decision.
4. George Sosa (USA) defeated Coty Cook (USA) by technical knockout in the third round.
5. Louis Brewington (USA) defeated Ivanieldo Mettendaf (USA) by technical knockout in the second round.
6. Alex Cook (USA) defeated Kendrick Miree (USA) by technical knockout in the third round.
7. Wayna Reid (USA) defeated Imani Smith (USA) by technical knockout in the second round.
8. Diego Romo (ECU) defeated Freddy Saavedra (USA) by unanimous decision.
9. Micah Mitchell (USA) defeated Lazaro Lara (USA) after a corner stoppage.

This event not only signifies a turning point for the IBA but also reflects the growing interest and acceptance of bare-knuckle boxing in the United States. As the organization plans its continued international expansion, it remains committed to elevating the standards of professionalism and providing a platform where athletes can thrive.

With the successful derby now in the books, the IBA Bare Knuckle looks forward to building upon this momentum and bringing its exhilarating brand of combat sports to new audiences across the globe.