Croatian bare-knuckle champion Marko Martinjak, sporting a dominant 13-2 record, is stepping into London’s O2 arena on November 14th to defend his BKB bridgerweight title against England’s Matty Askin. But before he became “The Emperor of Bare Knuckle,” a fighter who now lives and breathes boxing, Martinjak spent approximately three years behind bars.
Full Throttle: The Emperor’s Uncompromising Style
When Martinjak steps into the Trigon, he has little concern for protecting his hands. His entire game plan is about delivering punches with maximum force, a strategy that has earned him the nicknames “The Emperor of Bare Knuckle” and “Marvelous.” He’s not messing around, either. “Every punch I want to land is going full throttle,” Martinjak stated, adding that if he hurts his hands, he “doesn’t really care.” This aggressive, uncompromising offensive style is what he credits for his success, and he promises to bring that exact approach against Matty Askin. Starting taekwondo at age six, then soccer, and boxing at 14, the 35-year-old Zagreb native believes he’s at his competitive peak, stating, “I think right now I’m in my prime. For a couple of years more, no one is gonna beat me.”
From Setbacks to Striking Gold
Martinjak’s journey to this title defense has been anything but smooth. His time in prison, which he attributes to poor influences and decisions made while working as a nightclub security doorman, served as a harsh lesson. Now married with children, he views those experiences as crucial for learning patience and discipline. “Everything that is easily earned will easily disappear, quickly. Nothing happens overnight,” he reflects. This perspective has clearly shaped his approach, transforming him from a professional boxing journeyman into a bare-knuckle champion.
Unlike his earlier professional boxing days, when finances were a struggle, Martinjak now earns enough through sponsorships and fight purses to dedicate himself entirely to training. He’s a full-time fighter, through and through. His rise has even brought him closer to Croatian combat sports legend Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic, a friendship dating back to Martinjak’s childhood seminars. Last year, while recovering from a broken hand sustained in a title fight, Cro Cop invited him to spar for a proposed boxing match against Russian MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. Though that bout never materialized, Martinjak is still ready to help if it ever comes together.
The O2 arena might be in England, but Martinjak expects to feel right at home for his second fight there. He’s anticipating a massive wave of support, with 100 to 150 friends and supporters attending his fight. Why so many? Croatia’s national soccer team is set to face England at Wembley Stadium during the same international window, bringing a huge Croatian contingent to London. “Representing my country on a big stage is always a privilege,” Martinjak said, clearly fueled by the opportunity.
So, mark your calendars for November 14th. Martinjak is coming to the O2, promising his signature aggressive style. He has no intention of abandoning what brought him this far. “Thanks to my friends, my family and my supporters. Watch me on Nov. 14 when I come for another KO.” This isn’t just a title defense; it’s the next chapter for a fighter who overcame serious odds to stand at the top.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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