A former mixed martial artist is making a comeback to take part in a bare-knuckle boxing show in Hull.
Louis Chapman was a title-winning professional fighter before stepping out of the ring eleven years ago. But now, inspired by a close mate’s battle against cancer, the 38-year-old is training hard to get in shape for his debut in the increasingly popular form of pugilism.
Louis, from West Hull, will be taking part in Bad To The Bone at the Connexin Arena on July 12. He said: “There was a little bit of a stigma surrounding bare-knuckle, or gloveless, boxing. It was deemed a little bit rougher or gory, but as it is getting more popular there are more fighters globally who are doing it and it is losing that stigma.
“It is like MMA was back in the day. People saw mixed martial arts as human cockfighting but now the UFC is as big as any boxing promotion.
(Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
“A lot people are thinking that bare knuckle is on the same trajectory.
“It did have a reputation for being a bit brutal, is a lot more technical than people think and it is definitely growing as a sport.”
Louis, who now works as an electrician and is married with a baby daughter, Gracie, said he wants to fight again before he starts spending weekends taking his little girl to classes and activities.
(Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
His training has saw his weight drop from 106kg to 83kg with a target of 79kg. He was inspired by his friend, a personal trainer, who had throat cancer and is fighting fit again after completing his treatment.
Louis said: “It shook us all up as he’s a healthy, fit guy and a role model of mine, but since the lockdowns we’ve all got into a bit of an unhealthy rut. We both decided to get our lives back on track. He did his radiotherapy and is now all clear.
“I got back in the gym at Christmas and while doing so and attending the sessions I realised I still had the skills and ability to compete with these guys and the fire in my belly to make a comeback.”
(Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
Louis said he has been working with his former training partners on his journey back to full fitness. He said: “We were all in last Sunday training together, they were all wanting to help me with my return to the ring.
“This has given us all a huge spur to get back to the people we were.”
Get breaking news in Hull straight to your phone
