He has been flown to America, as well as putting on matches throughout the UK
09:00, 05 Apr 2026Updated 11:00, 05 Apr 2026
Stefan Hanks, of Stockton Brook, is the Chief Operating Officer of BKB bare knuckle boxing
(L-R) Stefan Hanks, Simey Doherty and Craig Jones(Image: BKB)
A tattoo artist has been recognised worldwide for his expertise in a professional sport. Stefan Hanks, 45, has joined BKB, an international bare knuckle boxing company that was founded in the UK in 2015.
As UK chief operating officer (COO) and lead matchmaker for the brand, the Stockton Brook dad has gone from selling out bare knuckle boxing matches in Stoke-on-Trent to huge cities such as London, and Miami and Connecticut in America. Stefan, who set up New Image Tattoo Studio in Burslem in 2007, has previously hosted events in the Kings Hall in Stoke, Fenton Manor and Biddulph, with shows planned in Manchester and Wembley.
The dad was recognised for his expertise in the ‘gentleman’s sport’ after he started watching matches in 2012. He set up ‘Bad To The Bone’ bare knuckle boxing in 2018 with Baz Bailey, as well as the Chris Edwards Academy Community Gym to ‘get kids off the street’ and help those suffering with mental health issues.
Stefan, who grew up in Norton, said: “BKB is the biggest [bare knuckle boxing company] in the world. They have fighters flying all over the world – they’ve just signed Lee Selby and Paulie Malignaggi. It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world.
“People think it’s brutal, barbaric and dangerous, but actually boxing with a glove is much more dangerous, because all it does is protect the hand so you can hit harder and more often, hence brain injuries and internal damage. Whereas bare knuckle boxing is external damage such as cuts and bruises.
“In MMA [mixed martial arts] they wear four-ounce gloves and they put people in chokes and use their elbows and knees, which has a way harder impact.”
Stefan told StokeOnTrent Live the sport attracts ex-servicemen, such as army fighters, and has been known as a gentleman’s sport since it originated in England in the late 17th century. The former Endon High School student said that fighters always shake hands after a match, and there are always medical professionals on hand during fights.
Talking about his background, Stefan added: “I’ve gone from being told as a kid in school I’d never do anything or end up in jail, to working for one of the biggest boxing companies in the world. I grew up on a rough estate with four brothers. My mum and dad did everything they could to keep us on the straight and narrow.
“I started boxing at nine years old and I had my first fight at 11 years old. I’ve been fascinated in it since I was a young kid because it’s one of the oldest sports in the world.
“It’s a positive thing to keep people active and it helps with mental health issues, which is why I named the gym after my mate Chris Edwards, who passed away.
“Gyms give people a place to go, some people come and will never fight but get talking with other people and it’s something positive for them to look forward to.”
Stefan has also paid tribute to a Craig Jones – a wildlife photographer who also plays a ‘big role’ at the gym. He added: “Craig Jones, one of the head trainers at Chris Edwards Community Academy and a professional wildlife photographer, plays a big role in the gym. He helps fighters get fight ready and constantly pushes them to their limits.”
BKB fights are televised on talkSPORT. Stefan has set up matches throughout 2026 in London, Manchester, and is liaising to set up fights in Cardiff. Tickets for upcoming events can be bought here .
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