Rico Franco and Jimmy Sweeney have a storied history in bare-knuckle with one another that went from fighting on a BKFC Italy card against each other to the former supporting the latter for a BKFC Italy bout the following year.
Franco bested Sweeney in their rubber match at BKFC 73 in April 2025 to win the BKFC European belt on Italian soil, which then vaulted ‘Bon Bon’ to capturing the interim welterweight crown that he holds today. In the context of discussing Julian Lane’s recent DQ setback against Bryce Henry to where his overall bare-knuckle career was spotlighted (which also features multiple fights with Jimmy Sweeney), Franco said [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],
“But yeah, [Julian Lane’s] a legend in the game. He’s been along around a long time and them two fights with Jimmy, Jimmy’s been the best in the game for a long time. So, it’s just good to see it. Like people still going from back in the day on the old shows.”
Addressing his history with Jimmy Sweeney and the fresh machinations of the Irishman’s return to fighting at this subsequent BKFC Italy card which transpired on July 18th, Franco stated [via Bare Knuckle Bowker],
“Yeah, [Sweeney’s] going again. I think this is his first fight [at lightweight]. He’s dropped down a weight as well, so it might work better for him. They’re going to be a little bit quicker at that weight, but he looks in good shape. He’s ready to go again. So I’ll definitely be tuning into that. I’m not sure.”
“I know he’s got an Italian opponent, but I’m not sure who he’s fighting, but I’ll be definitely tuned in and hope he gets the win. He needs to get some good wins behind him and he’s getting on a bit now. So, he’s probably not got a lot of fights left in him. But yeah, he’s still a solid fighter.”
BKFC Italy and the turnaround of jimmy sweeney
BKFC Italy saw a combatant out of Milan try to best “The King,” but Jimmy Sweeney reminded the world of his regal status within gloveless combat. Nicholas Vescio made his BKFC debut with the aim of taking out a generational talent in Sweeney, but instead the latter added to his massive ledger of 30-6 within the bare-knuckle game.
Despite the namesake of Vescio being “The Underdog”, he was not able to author a story that shocked the combat sports world, and the Irishman showcased why he’s a former multi-division champion under the BKB umbrella. The stoppage occurred in the second round at the 22 second mark as Jimmy Sweeney notched a TKO victory last Saturday.
