Croatian bare-knuckle boxing champion Marko
Martinjak has little concern for protecting his hands when he
steps into the Trigon. His priority is delivering punches with
maximum force, an approach that has helped him compile a 13-2
record.
On Nov. 14, Martinjak will defend his BKB bridgerweight title
against England’s Matty Askin at London’s O2 arena. Despite facing
a British opponent, the 35-year-old Zagreb native expects to feel
at home.
Advertisement
Marko Martinjak promises an aggressive approach against Matty
Askin in his BKB bridgerweight title defense
“It’s in England, but I’m at home there. This is my second fight at
the O2.”
Known as „The Emperor of Bare Knuckle“ and „Marvelous,“ Martinjak
credits his success to speed, aggression and an uncompromising
offensive style.
“Every punch I want to land is going full throttle. If I hurt my
hands, I don’t really care.”
Martinjak began practicing taekwondo at age 6 before switching to
soccer and eventually boxing at 14. Three decades after entering
martial arts, he believes he has reached his competitive peak.
“I think right now I’m in my prime. For a couple of years more, no
one is gonna beat me.”
Unlike his earlier years as a professional boxer, when he struggled
financially, Martinjak now earns enough through sponsorships and
fight purses to devote himself entirely to training.
“I’m a full-time fighter. I live and breathe boxing.”
His success has also brought him closer to Croatian combat sports
legend Mirko “Cro
Cop” Filipovic.
Martinjak said their friendship dates to his childhood, when he
attended Cro Cop’s seminars. Last year, they met at a shopping mall
while Martinjak was recovering from a broken hand sustained during
a bridgerweight title fight.
Cro Cop invited him to serve as a sparring partner for a proposed
boxing match against Russian MMA legend Fedor
Emelianenko.
Although the bout never materialized, Martinjak remains willing to
help if the matchup is revived.
“If Mirko needs a sparring partner for Fedor, if that fight
happens, I will go train with him.”
Beyond defending his championship, Martinjak looks forward to
representing Croatia before an unusually large contingent of
supporters.
With Croatia’s national soccer team scheduled to face 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.”
Martinjak’s journey to championship success has included serious
setbacks.
Before establishing himself in bare-knuckle boxing, he spent
approximately three years in prison, a period he attributes to poor
influences and decisions made while working as a nightclub security
doorman.
Now married with children, Martinjak views those experiences as
lessons in patience and discipline.
“Everything that is easily earned will easily disappear – quickly.
Nothing happens overnight.”
Those lessons have helped shape a fighter who transformed himself
from a professional boxing journeyman into a bare-knuckle
champion.
With another title defense approaching, Martinjak has no intention
of abandoning the aggressive style that brought him success.
“Thanks to my friends, my family and my supporters. Watch me on
Nov. 14 when I come for another KO.”
Throughout his bare knuckle career, Marko
Martinjak has held titles in FIVE different weight classes 🏆 #BKB
#BareKnuckle https://t.co/8QBNn5b2C2— BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing (@bkbbareknuckle)
October 23, 2025