Walter Pugliesi Knocks Out Karl Thompson at BKFC 83
Palazzo dello Sport, Rome — October 25, 2025
Walter Pugliesi (2-0) electrified the hometown crowd at BKFC 83 with a thunderous first-round knockout of Karl Thompson (1-2), delivering one of the most violent finishes of the night in just 1 minute and 51 seconds. The Italian cruiserweight prospect showcased raw power, precision, and killer instinct in a performance that instantly elevated his status in the division.
Pugliesi’s Power Leaves No Doubt
From the opening bell, Pugliesi stalked Thompson with calculated aggression. After a brief feeling-out period, the Italian unleashed a devastating right hand that sent Thompson reeling. Moments later, a follow-up left hook detonated on Thompson’s chin, dropping him hard to the canvas.
The referee immediately waved off the bout, and the Roman crowd erupted as Pugliesi celebrated his second straight BKFC victory.
Thompson Outgunned from the Start
Karl Thompson entered the bout looking to rebound from a previous loss, but he never found his rhythm.
While Thompson’s toughness is unquestioned, the loss raises questions about his future in the BKFC cruiserweight ranks.
Italian Bare-Knuckle Renaissance
Pugliesi’s win capped off a dominant night for Italian fighters at BKFC 83, including Alessio Sakara’s title victory and multiple local knockouts. With the sport surging in popularity across Europe, Pugliesi’s rise adds another layer to BKFC’s expanding international footprint.
What’s Next for Pugliesi?
Potential matchups include fellow European standouts or a cross-Atlantic clash with U.S. cruiserweights like Lorenzo Hunt or Mike Richman.
Conclusion
Walter Pugliesi’s first-round demolition of Karl Thompson wasn’t just a win—it was a warning. In a sport built on brutality and precision, Pugliesi delivered both in under two minutes. BKFC 83 crowned champions, but it also unveiled a new Italian powerhouse ready to shake up the cruiserweight division.
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Tags: BKFC, Bare-Knuckle Boxing
