BARE KNUCKLE BOXING: Fantastic first outing for Tyler Goodjohn may also prove to be his last
Tyler Goodjohn celebrates his victory with partner Nicole. - Credit: Archant
A fantastic debut might also prove to be a last hurrah for Tyler Goodjohn.
Tyler Goodjohn (right) with opponent Tony Lafferty following their fight. - Credit: Archant
The Wentworth warrior was victorious in his first outing in the brutal world of bare knuckle boxing last Saturday night – seeing off previously unbeaten opponent Tony Lafferty in London.
Goodjohn floored his much heavier and more experienced rival three times to earn a final-round stoppage in a world title eliminator during the BKB 11 event and later described it as the ‘maddest experience of my life’.
But the 27 year-old, who had to be taken to hospital with concussion following the fight, was also quick to admit he may have thrown his last punches.
Goodjohn said: “I had a picture in my head beforehand of what to expect but it was far more brutal than I could ever have imagined.
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“Having a boxing background stood me in good stead, but it boiled down to mental toughness at the end of the day. I don’t think 80 per cent of professional boxers would be able to hack it.
“I didn’t feel good afterwards and that was a bit worrying. I almost passed out and they had to call an ambulance to take me to hospital.
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“I’m really pleased I had the fight, but I’m not sure at this stage whether I’ll fight on.
“I loved it, but I wouldn’t live very long if I had too many more nights like that.
“I’ve had almost 100 fights in amateur and professional boxing, and I know I’ve ridden my luck in terms of not being badly hurt.
“My family don’t really want me to do it anymore and I have to respect their wishes.”
Goodjohn was also full of respect for opponent Lafferty – man he described as being ‘hard as nails’.
He added: “I put him down three times and he still wanted to come out fighting.
“I’ve got massive respect for him and I’ve never known anyone so tough. He came in 10lb heavier than me and chucked everything at me.
“People are calling it the best fight there’s ever been in BKB and this was the 11th show so I can be proud of being involved in it.”
