Luis Palomino, fresh off a title loss, isn’t shying away from asserting his dominance in the bareknuckle boxing world. In his mind, the numbers speak for themselves, cementing his legacy as the undisputed GOAT.
“We can just talk numbers. Numbers don’t lie,” Palomino recently told MMA Junkie Radio. “I’m the only eight-time world champion in BKFC history and the only champion to defend his title six times successfully, consecutively. So yeah, I’m the GOAT, man.”
Palomino, now 44, was an early adopter of the bareknuckle boxing scene, transitioning from MMA to BKFC 10 in February 2020. His initial nine-fight winning streak, coupled with capturing titles at both 155 and 165 pounds, solidified his status as a pioneer in the sport. However, his recent loss of the 165-pound title to Austin Trout has left him with a bitter taste.
The feeling of being without gold is something Palomino is not accustomed to. He reveals that while a rematch was offered, the logistics and financial implications made it untenable.
“To be honest and brutally clear, I had to first vacate the 155-pound title that I defended six times,” Palomino said. “I’m 8-0 undefeated. I had to vacate it after I earned the 155-pound title to in order to defend the 165-pound title, in which fight I faced Trout. So I had to vacate 155 to be able to defend 165 and then I lost that fight against Trout. And to be honest with you, they offered me the fight but the numbers did not make sense. I was offered to fight in the guy’s hometown, which meant I had to go and travel over there for at least 21 days to acclimate which was high-altitude. Then, I’m not selling tickets. I’m losing money there. I’m losing money doing a 21-day camp over there with my team. Then, there was a pay cut of about 30 percent. It was numbers that did not make sense for us.”
Palomino’s frustration with the rematch negotiation is palpable. “So technically-speaking, they offered it to me but the numbers didn’t make sense for us. We’ve been waiting since then to fight again. I got tired of waiting for that rematch. I got tired of forcing my body to hold onto weight that I cannot hold onto. Because I walk around at 170, man. Out of shape, I’m 173, 174. I walk around 170. When I’m in shape, I’m 165 to 170. I have no business at 155. I was only aiming to defend that title and it’s not on the table any more. I have not heard anything about it. I decided to come back down to 155. That’s where I’m at right now.”
Now, Palomino is focused on reclaiming his position at 155 pounds. He returns to action on March 27 at a BKFC Fight Night event in Hollywood, Fla., against rising contender Howard Davis.
“(Davis) has only lost to top-level,” Palomino said. “From what I’ve seen, he’s being groomed to be next in line for the 155-pound title. So me being the king at 155, I say give me the best. Give me who is supposed to fight next. If I can’t go for the title off a loss, if I can’t go for a title, then give me the best. That’s what they gave me.”
Palomino’s unwavering confidence, despite his recent setback, underscores his determination to solidify his legacy as the greatest bareknuckle boxer of all time. He’s not just looking for wins; he’s aiming to dominate, proving that his numbers truly don’t lie.
