Yahoo Sport 
Carlisle bare-knuckle champion confirms plans after title defence
Danny Christie wants to make history by becoming British bare-knuckle champion in a second weight division.
The Carlisle fighter, who retained his BKFC light-heavyweight title last weekend, has set out his new goal in the sport.
Christie, from Currock, confirmed he is vacating his light-heavyweight title and will now aim for success at middleweight.
The Cumbrian successfully defended his light-heavyweight crown with a powerful victory over David Round at BKFC 60 Milton Keynes on Saturday.
He is now contemplating his next steps in the sport.
“I have vacated my light-heavyweight title,” said Christie.
“There’s some excellent names in the running and some worthy fighters to compete for that title.
Danny Christie overpowered David Round in Milton Keynes (Image: BKFC)
“But I’m off down to middleweight – I want the best fighters in the UK at middleweight and my goal is to be the first UK two-weight champion. So let’s just see how it goes.”
Christie’s title defence came in his fifth BKFC fight and he made short work of experienced Welsh opponent Round.
After flooring Round twice a further barrage of punches led the referee to stop the fight in the first round, leading to Christie’s victory by technical knockout (TKO).
It was the 38-year-old Cumbrian's first British title defence, after previous victories against Terry Brazier, Darren Godfrey and Anthony Holmes, the latter earning him the UK belt.
He was defeated by American Jared Warren last year but bounced back in style against Round.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Christie added: “It’s good to be back in the saddle, to put on a performance like that against David Round who’s known for his chin, toughness and durability. To get him out of there in the first round was a godsend. Thank God.”
Christie, left, will now move to the middleweight division in BKFC (Image: BKFC)
He complimented Round on being “such a gentlemen” in how he took defeat, adding: “I’ve got love for David Round. He was playing a few mind games, he’s a 100-fight veteran – nobody’s done that to him.
“I’m glad he was ok and came out in one piece. Because I hit him with some bombs.
“The biggest difference for me in this fight was my spiritual condition. I’m not one for giving advice but I’d advise anybody in any sport, profession or walk of life to enrich their spirituality. Whatever god or power you serve. If you have undying faith, or something you can turn to, no matter what your life situation is, the more faith you have the better your life will be.”
