The stars of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s historic premiere in Italy met with the media on Thursday ahead of the ground-breaking BKFC 73 on Saturday at the iconic Palazzo Wanny in Florence, Italy.
Saturday’s event airs LIVE worldwide exclusively on DAZN.
David Feldman, BKFC Founder/President.
“It's unbelievable to be here in Italy and it's going to be an amazing show. This is where the gladiators are from. This is where the gladiators started, here in Italy. Now, we get to bring the baddest sport on the planet with some of the best fights you're ever going to see, and we're so excited.”
“We have a true 'Rocky' story. We have Andrea Bicchi, who a lot of people are already counting out. They don't think he has a chance to take on the champion, Chris Camozzi, but here he is, he's putting it all on the line, and he's entering the Squared Circle on Saturday and trying to take the belt from Chris Camozzi.”
Chris Camozzi (3-1), defending the BKFC World Cruiserweight Championship for the first time against Andrea Bicchi (4-1) in the Main Event of BKFC 73.
“I'd like to thank my opponent for taking this fight, keeping me on the card, and allowing me to come to Italy to fight for you guys. You guys can call this a Rocky story if you want, but just remember that Rocky got his ass whipped by Apollo Creed.”
Andrea Bicchi (4-1), fighting Chris Camozzi (3-1) for Camozzi’s BKFC World Cruiserweight Championship in the Main Event of BKFC 73.
“I couldn't ask for a better opportunity to fight in my city in front of my people, and I'm ready.”
Rico “Bon Bon” Franco (9-3), fighting Jimmy Sweeney (29-4) for the third time for the vacant BKFC European Welterweight Championship in the Co-Main Event at BKFC 73.
“It's just another day at the office. We're going to turn up, we're going to smash each other's face, then we'll shake hands and have a beer, then go home to our families.”
“I’m going to put on a show for everyone in Florence. Let’s go.”
Jimmy Sweeney (29-4), fighting Rico “Bon Bon” Franco (9-3) for the third time for the vacant BKFC European Welterweight Championship in the Co-Main Event at BKFC 73.
“It’s an absolute honor for me to make my debut here for BKFC. This is the biggest promotion in the world, and I feel like I’m the best bare knuckle fighter in the world. I’m going to show that I belong here. On Saturday, I’m putting this trilogy to bed, and I’m leaving with the European Title. Saturday is just the start of my journey with BKFC."
“It’s just another day at the office. Me and Rico are really good friends, but we put that aside when we get in there.”
Nicole Schaefer (1-0), fighting Sara Bitto (1-0) in the BKFC women’s bantamweight division.
“I will steal the show because I have the power. I train so hard, and I've had the best fight camp of my life. My coach has prepared me so well, so it will be awesome.”
Haze “The Huntsman” Hepi, making his BKFC debut against Steve “Panda” Banks (4-2) in the BKFC heavyweight division.
“I'm so happy and excited to be a part of such an amazing and big promotion, and I really just want to put on a show for Italy. I'm going up against a very tough opponent. A big man, a strong man with lots of experience. I'm excited to test myself and show everybody what I'm made of.”
Peter Aerts, kickboxing legend and BKFC supporter in attendance.
“I’m really excited to be here. I wish all of the fighters good luck. Make a hard fight. Oss.”
Jérôme Le Banner, kickboxing legend and BKFC supporter in attendance.
“I'm very happy to be here today. We'll have a great show on Saturday.”
