Rolando Dy stops McHugh to retain BKB title

NEWCASTLE, England — Filipino MMA standout Rolando Dy remained atop the Bare Knuckle Boxing super welterweight division after scoring a third-round technical knockout of former five-time champion Scott McHugh on Oct. 11 at Utilita Arena.

Coming off a knockout victory over former two-division boxing world champion Paulie Malignaggi, Dy picked up where he left off with a second consecutive stoppage to extend his BKB title reign to 10 months.

The referee officially stopped the fight at the 2:15 mark of the third round after Dy caught McHugh with a powerful left hook.

Dy immediately pressured McHugh in the opening round, connecting with several one-two combinations and repeatedly pinning the British fighter against the ropes.

McHugh responded with crisp jabs to keep the defending champion at bay, but Dy closed the round by maintaining relentless pressure.

After absorbing several heavy punches from Dy, McHugh continued to trade with the Filipino champion.

The second round became a one-sided affair as Dy dropped McHugh three times to establish a commanding advantage.

Bloodied and visibly hurt, McHugh struggled heading into the third round as Dy continued to apply pressure and unload power punches.

Dy eventually closed the fight with a devastating left hook set up by a deceptive right straight.

With the victory, the son of former WBC super featherweight champion Rolando Navarrete improved his BKB record to seven wins and one loss.

“I studied my opponent; I’m not stupid,” Dy said after defending his belt.

“I watched his weakness, and I dismantled him using my fighting IQ. I’m not just powerful, I’m not just big, I’m also smart. You need to fight my brain before you fight my muscles.”