Matt Hodgson ready to tough it out in world of bare knuckle boxing

Despite an unsuccessful debut in the pro ranks in an unlucky fight against American Eric Olsen, the West Yorkshire fighter made a big impression, big enough certainly to be included on a big bill coming up at the O2 Indigo in London on Saturday, May 23.

At BKB 22 Hodgson will meet another tough opponent in Mason Shaw.

The 35-year-old will be hoping for better fortune than in his bout with Olsen, who is a well known figure in the world of BKB and vastly experienced.

Although “the Hammer” fought well he suffered a deep damaging cut above his eye in the first round. Stopping the contest was discussed between rounds, but the Normanton man wanted to continue and in the second round he was in control only for the fight to have to be stopped when the referee and doctor both decided to call a halt to proceedings for safety reasons.

Hodgson was understandably gutted as he felt he had just found his stride, but he had to accept the loss and vowed to be back.

He was shown a lot of respect after the fight by Olsen himself and commentators and gets his second chance now against Shaw. Tickets are available through Matt, where you can find him on Instagram at ‘mattthehammer’.

Well on the mend now, he is set to go into camp shortly to prepare for the fight and has been training four nights a week at AVT Leeds.

He also takes on personal training sessions and extra sparring during his camps, all this alongside working full-time and having a family.

Matt is also looking for anyone who would be interested in sponsorship. Lots of packages are available even for small businesses to get their names out there.

He has a few sponsors at the minute and thanks them all for their continued support.

Current sponsors include XS Guard Mouthguards, Solo Sheeting Ltd, MWA fencing, Tia Structures, Moto X Concepts, CBD Guru, Pro Physio & Sports Medicine, Late Bake, Kings Plastering, Shelley’s Hair Design and Astar Muscle and Fitness.

Hodgson took up the sport of MMA initially and turned his life round after being in an out of trouble and following a devastating family trauma, deciding something had to change.

He met with some success with his amateur record standing at 9-6 and pro 1-0. It could have been more impressive, but his career suffered a little from accepting some fights at short notice.

After suffering some knee damage he decided to turn his hand to BKB and won all four of his amateur fights, obtaining titles that included Risk Fight League Champion and European Champion, before accepting the approach to turn pro and fight at the bigger level at the O2 Indigo.