Justin “Joy Boy” Ibarrola, One of BKFC’s Rising Stars

Justin “Joy Boy” Ibarrola, a 26-year-old bare-knuckle fighter from Delray Beach, Florida, has rapidly ascended the ranks of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) bantamweight division. With an unblemished record of 5–0, he is currently ranked #2 in the bantamweight class.

Ibarrola’s journey in combat sports began in traditional boxing, where he holds a professional record of 1–0. Transitioning to bare-knuckle fighting, he made an immediate impact with unanimous decision victories over Gilberto Aguilar and Anthony Foye in 2023.

In 2024, Ibarrola’s career gained significant momentum. He secured a swift knockout against Landon Williams at BKFC 57, finishing the fight in just 15 seconds of the first round. This performance earned him a Knockout of the Night bonus, highlighting his striking prowess. He continued his winning streak with a second-round TKO over Rick Caruso at BKFC 62 and a unanimous decision against Justin Street at BKFC 66.

Beyond his in-ring achievements, Ibarrola is dedicated to his craft, working as a private trainer at Delray Beach Boxing Club. His commitment to the sport is evident in his disciplined training regimen and his ambition to become a champion in the BKFC.

Looking ahead, Ibarrola is set to face Derek Perez at BKFC on DAZN: Hollywood on December 21, 2024. A victory in this bout could position him for a title shot in the highly competitive bantamweight division.

Ibarrola’s rapid rise in the BKFC underscores his technical skill, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to the sport. As he continues to compete, he remains a formidable contender and a fighter to watch in the bare-knuckle boxing scene.