TLDR
- Marko Martinjak defends his BKB bridgerweight title against Matty Askin on Nov. 14 at London’s O2 arena
- The Croatian fighter spent three years in prison for decisions made while working nightclub security
- Martinjak holds championships in five different weight classes with a 13-2 record
- He now trains full-time after years of financial struggle as a professional boxer
- Between 100-150 Croatian supporters expected to attend as Croatia’s soccer team plays England at Wembley
Sources: sherdog.com | boxingnews.com
Croatian bare-knuckle boxing champion Marko Martinjak will defend his BKB bridgerweight title against England’s Matty Askin on Nov. 14 at London’s O2 arena. The 35-year-old from Zagreb carries a 13-2 record into the fight after a career that included a three-year prison sentence.
Martinjak spent approximately three years in prison before establishing himself as a bare-knuckle champion. He attributes his incarceration to poor decisions made while working as a nightclub security doorman.
The fighter says those years taught him patience and discipline. “Everything that is easily earned will easily disappear – quickly. Nothing happens overnight,” Martinjak said.
The Emporer of Bare Knuckle Boxing, Marko Martinjak, continues his reign over the Bridgerweight kingdom as he dispatches UFC & Bellator vet, and former BKB heavyweight champion Ike Villanueva in 70 seconds! 🤜👊🤛 pic.twitter.com/ldV9BbeSk7
— “Filthy” Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) February 21, 2026
Five Championships Across Different Weight Classes
Martinjak now holds titles in five different weight classes in bare-knuckle boxing. His aggressive fighting style prioritizes power over protecting his hands.
“Every punch I want to land is going full throttle,” he said. “If I hurt my hands, I don’t really care.”
Known as “The Emperor of Bare Knuckle” and “Marvelous,” Martinjak credits his success to speed, aggression and an offensive approach. He believes he is currently in his competitive prime.
“I think right now I’m in my prime,” the 35-year-old said. “For a couple of years more, no one is gonna beat me.”
Martinjak started practicing taekwondo at age 6 before switching to soccer. He began boxing at 14, marking three decades in martial arts.
The champion struggled financially during his earlier years as a professional boxer. Now he earns enough through sponsorships and fight purses to train full-time.
“I’m a full-time fighter,” Martinjak said. “I live and breathe boxing.”
Croatian Support in London
Martinjak expects to feel at home despite fighting in England against a British opponent. “It’s in England, but I’m at home there. This is my second fight at the O2,” he said.
He anticipates strong support from Croatian fans in London. Croatia’s national soccer team faces England at Wembley Stadium during the same international window.
Martinjak expects 100 to 150 friends and supporters to attend his fight. “Representing my country on a big stage is always a privilege,” he said.
The fighter has developed a friendship with Croatian MMA legend Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic. Martinjak said their connection dates to his childhood when he attended Cro Cop’s seminars.
Last year, they met at a shopping mall while Martinjak recovered from a broken hand sustained during a title fight. Cro Cop invited him to serve as a sparring partner for a proposed boxing match against Russian MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko.
The bout between Cro Cop and Emelianenko never happened. Martinjak remains willing to help if the matchup is scheduled.
“If Mirko needs a sparring partner for Fedor, if that fight happens, I will go train with him,” he said.
Martinjak is now married with children. He promises to maintain his aggressive style against Askin and predicts another knockout finish.
“Thanks to my friends, my family and my supporters,” he said. “Watch me on Nov. 14 when I come for another KO.”
