Big Knockout Boxing (BKB) Offers Intense Toe-to-Toe Action With a First-of-Its-Kind, Close-Range Format; Debuts Saturday, Aug. 16 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and on Pay Per View

 LAS VEGAS  – The knockout punch will be revitalized this summer with the launch of Big Knockout Boxing (BKB) – a new, more intense, toe-to-toe action-packed version of boxing designed to bring back what fans have missed most about the sport – the electrifying knockout. BKB will hold its premiere event Saturday, Aug. 16 in the boxing capital of the world at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas at 7 p.m. PDT and will be a Pay-Per-View (PPV) event available on DIRECTV as well as cable and telco providers through iN DEMAND for $29.99.

BKB’s stacked card of bouts, which will be announced in the coming weeks, features a main event with two of the hardest-hitting, well-respected young fighters, Bryan Vera and Gabe Rosado. Vera hailing from Cedar Park, Texas and Rosado from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will square off in “The Pit” for what promises to be an epic battle with the Middleweight World Championship up for grabs.

Developed by a team of industry veterans and licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, BKB features shorter and fewer rounds with a significantly smaller fighting space, referred to as “The Pit.” With no ropes or corners, The Pit forces offense and offers nowhere to hide. This unique format is designed to deliver a higher intensity level, maximum action and amazing knockouts, all of which have been declining with conventional boxing.

BKB fighters will use eight- and 10-ounce boxing gloves (depending on weight class). Rounds will last two minutes as compared to boxing’s three-minute rounds and MMA’s five-minute rounds, and the fights will last between five rounds for non-championship bouts and seven rounds for championship bouts.

“Virtually all of boxing’s transcendent stars now reside in lower weight classes and are known more for their ability to ‘score’ their way to victory rather than delivering the unforgettable knockout finishes fans love most,” said Alex Kaplan, BKB co-commissioner. “We aim to bring back the glory of the knockout, and as much as we love and respect the sweet science of conventional boxing, we believe legions of fans will appreciate the non-stop level of intensity, aggression and action that BKB offers.”

“BKB is an amazing new concept that will revitalize the industry, provide great opportunities for athletes and offer fans more ways to see their favorite fighters compete,” said Bruce Binkow, executive director of BKB. “I am proud to help shape this terrific new concept in the evolution of the sport and look forward to watching it grow to new and exciting heights.”

The BKB Pit comprises a central circular footprint spanning 17 feet in diameter – about half the size of a conventional boxing ring. The significantly smaller dimensions leave fighters little room for “avoidance” tactics, forcing them instead to stand and fight in a more proactive manner. The outer portion of the BKB Pit features a slightly raised and padded “safety zone” where fighters may retreat in situations where they feel it necessary for an added measure of safety. The absence of ropes actually reduces the ability for fighters to be cornered or “pinned” in a manner where repeated blows are commonly experienced within a conventional boxing ring format. If and when fighters intentionally choose to step into the safety zone, they are given a standing eight count by the referee. There are no point deductions assessed for accidentally stepping into the safety zone.  However, judges will certainly take this into account when assessing a fighter’s level of aggression and proactive nature throughout a fight.

The BKB Pit also provides significant enhancements to the viewing experience for fans in attendance. “Coliseum-style” seating provides unobstructed views from every angle giving bouts a gladiator-era feel, where fans are literally on top of the action.

For more information on BKB or how to catch all the hard-hitting knockouts, please visit BKB.TV. To join the conversation and get updates use #BKB.

About BKB:

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Big Knockout Boxing (BKB) is a close-range form of boxing that encourages and rewards proactivity, aggression and technical precision. The sport, led by Co-Commissioners and Executive Producers Jon Gieselman, Alex Kaplan and Chris Long, is designed to provide a more action-oriented and intensive form of boxing. BKB places a heightened emphasis on close-range offensive and defensive boxing techniques, precision punching within its unique format. For more information on BKB format, rules, events and fighters, visit www.bkb.tv