Martinjak quickly knocked out his opponent and defended his title
Croatian fighter Marko Martinjak defended his bare-knuckle boxing world champion title with a first-round knockout of American Ikea Villanueva at London's O2 Arena.
Croatian boxer Marko Martinjak successfully defended his bare-knuckle boxing championship title at the O2 Arena in London, where he delivered a first-round knockout to American opponent Ikea Villanueva. The fight concluded dramatically in under two minutes, showcasing Martinjak's skills in front of enthusiastic Croatian supporters. This victory solidifies his standing in the bare-knuckle boxing community, retaining the BKB title in the bridger category.
This match was especially significant as it marked Martinjak's 14th win in 16 bouts, emphasizing his dominance in the sport with a remarkable streak of seven consecutive victories. The outcome is particularly noteworthy given that Martinjak had suffered a defeat earlier in March 2023 but managed to avenge that loss against the same opponent. His prowess is evident as all of his victories have come by knockout, with six consecutive first-round finishes, displaying a powerful and efficient fighting style that resonates well with his fans.
Martinjak's continued success not only boosts his career but also elevates the profile of Croatian fighters in the international boxing arena. With each performance, he reinforces the potential of bare-knuckle boxing as a competitive sport and inspires a new generation of fighters from Croatia looking to make their mark on the world stage.