BKFC has added Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers to its roster.
[autotag]Aaron Chalmers[/autotag] will continue his combat sports career in bareknuckle boxing.
The Geordie Shore reality T.V. show star has signed a multifight deal with BKFC, the promotion announced Tuesday. No debut date or opponent was revealed.
Chalmers, 37, who made his name through the U.K. reality T.V. show Geordie Shore, turned to professional fighting soon after his appearance on the show. He began fighting in MMA under BAMMA, and then signed with Bellator after a 4-0 stint. Under the Bellator banner, Chalmers went 2-2. His last MMA fight was with Bellator in February 2020.
In recent years, Chalmers turned his attention to boxing. He competed in two professional bouts and three exhibitions. Most notably, he went the distance in an exhibition bout with Floyd Mayweather in 2023, which ended without a winner.
Weekend Review: Tommy Fury got the last laugh against Jake Paul on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
BIGGEST WINNER
Tommy Fury – Fury deserves credit for his split-decision victory over fellow boxing newbie Jake Paul on Sunday night in Saudi Arabia. The half-brother of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury showed signs of cracking under the pressure leading up to his first high profile event. He admitted as much afterward, saying, “I had the weight of the world on my shoulders tonight.” Yet he made it to the ring and did what he had been saying he’d do, beat his fellow entertainer-turned-professional boxer. He didn’t stop Paul as he predicted but he outboxed him, which impressed two judges enough for them to give him six of the eight rounds. He had a harrowing moment when he went down in the final round but he handled that well, too. He bounced up and took the fight to Paul until the final bell, looking a lot like a genuine boxer in the process. Was Fury’s victory a significant accomplishment? Of course not. It meant a lot to him, though. That’s why he was tearful afterward. And who knows where this might lead? He obviously has some ability and he’s young, only 23 years old. He might accomplish something more meaningful in the future if he sticks with it.
BIGGEST LOSER
Jake Paul had to process his first loss as a boxer. Francois Nel / Getty Images
Jake Paul – I wouldn’t say that Paul (6-1, 4 KOs) was exposed by Fury (9-0, 4 KOs). Anyone who knows anything about boxing knew exactly what he is, a diligent, physically strong but crude boxer. Fury isn’t much more advanced than he is but he was a step up from Paul’s previous opponents, aging MMA fighters and former basketball player Nate Robinson. So anyone who was shocked that he lost wasn’t paying attention. Paul did what a lot of fighters do in his post-fight interview, make excuses (illness and an arm injury, in his case) and then say he’s not making excuses. He’s a real fighter in that sense. At the same time he seemed to handle the loss well. He gave Fury credit and promised to bounce back, which could come in the form of a rematch with his rival. Paul undoubtedly learned from the experience and will be better as a result. For most fighters – even unusual ones like Paul – losing is part of the development process. Will the setback affect his popularity? I doubt it Paul is more of a personality than an athlete, which is why he’ll only go so far in the sport.
BIGGEST WINNER II
Subriel Matias – The Puerto Rican’s reaction after stopping Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win his first major title on Saturday was telling. He wasn’t overly animated or excited in spite of the breakthrough. Instead, he maintained a straight face and had a matter-of-fact attitude. “I came to win,” he said simply. That confidence undoubtedly is a key reason for his success. Matias got off to a slow start against the hard-charging Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) but remained calm, weathered the storm and then shifted into another gear that led to Ponce’s demise. The 30-year-old from Fajardo proceeded to pound his Argentine opponent until he could fight no more after five rounds, further evidence of Matias’ destructive power. Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) has stopped everyone he has fought, including Petros Ananyan in a rematch of his only loss. He’s now eyeing what would be the toughest test of his career, a meeting with fellow beltholder Regis Prograis. Matias would be an underdog in that fight but it wouldn’t be wise to underestimate him. He has performed too well to be dismissed.
BIGGEST WINNER III
Badou Jack – The best fighter on the Fury-Paul card was Jack, a 39-year-old Swede who has had notable success in three divisions over the past 13-plus years. His 12th-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu to take Makabu’s WBC cruiserweight title was one of the highlights of his career, which also has been marked by several controversial setbacks in title fights. That includes tight draws with James DeGale (168 pounds) and Adonis Stevenson (175), as well as a close split-decision loss against Jean Pascal (175) in 2019. Jack then moved up in weight to make an unlikely run at a 200-pound title, as he was in his late 30s. Well, he didn’t look his age on Sunday. He was a step ahead of the 35-year-old Makabu (29-3, 25 KOs) from the outset. He was quick, athletic and much too good for the now-former champion in the end. And the late knockout was a beautiful touch, a punctuation mark that gave Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) a major belt in a second division as he is approaching his 40th birthday and reminded fans of how good he is as an all-around fighter.
MOST AGELESS
Another exhibition bout against an overmatched MMA fighter, another easy "win" for Floyd Mayweather. Floyd was just having fun out there. Congrats to Aaron Chalmers on showing up and getting a bag. #MayweatherChalmerspic.twitter.com/yxPvh9hbpG
Floyd Mayweather – Mayweather is wise not to challenge himself at his age, 46. There’s no point in risking brain cells after his long, glorious career. The goal now is to enjoy life, which he evidently is doing. That said, one has to wonder how he might do if he decided to face a genuine threat in a sanctioned bout six years after he closed out his career against Conor McGregor. It’s difficult to gauge what this version of Mayweather is capable of based on his exhibition against television personality and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers on Saturday in London because of Chalmers’ limitations. Mayweather could outbox an amateur like that when he’s 60. That said, he sure looked sharp. His jab and power punches were quick, well-timed and accurate. He still has good reflexes. And moves well for an old guy. In other words, he looked a lot like the old Floyd Mayweather. He also looked reasonably fit for someone who isn’t a full-time athlete. And, of course, his ring acumen is intact. So how would he do against a top 147-pounder? I think he would lose to the top welterweights – Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr. and maybe a few others – but I’d bet he could beat the next-level contenders. It’s probably a good thing that we’ll never know.
Weekend Review: Tommy Fury got the last laugh against Jake Paul on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
BIGGEST WINNER
Tommy Fury – Fury deserves credit for his split-decision victory over fellow boxing newbie Jake Paul on Sunday night in Saudi Arabia. The half-brother of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury showed signs of cracking under the pressure leading up to his first high profile event. He admitted as much afterward, saying, “I had the weight of the world on my shoulders tonight.” Yet he made it to the ring and did what he had been saying he’d do, beat his fellow entertainer-turned-professional boxer. He didn’t stop Paul as he predicted but he outboxed him, which impressed two judges enough for them to give him six of the eight rounds. He had a harrowing moment when he went down in the final round but he handled that well, too. He bounced up and took the fight to Paul until the final bell, looking a lot like a genuine boxer in the process. Was Fury’s victory a significant accomplishment? Of course not. It meant a lot to him, though. That’s why he was tearful afterward. And who knows where this might lead? He obviously has some ability and he’s young, only 23 years old. He might accomplish something more meaningful in the future if he sticks with it.
BIGGEST LOSER
Jake Paul had to process his first loss as a boxer. Francois Nel / Getty Images
Jake Paul – I wouldn’t say that Paul (6-1, 4 KOs) was exposed by Fury (9-0, 4 KOs). Anyone who knows anything about boxing knew exactly what he is, a diligent, physically strong but crude boxer. Fury isn’t much more advanced than he is but he was a step up from Paul’s previous opponents, aging MMA fighters and former basketball player Nate Robinson. So anyone who was shocked that he lost wasn’t paying attention. Paul did what a lot of fighters do in his post-fight interview, make excuses (illness and an arm injury, in his case) and then say he’s not making excuses. He’s a real fighter in that sense. At the same time he seemed to handle the loss well. He gave Fury credit and promised to bounce back, which could come in the form of a rematch with his rival. Paul undoubtedly learned from the experience and will be better as a result. For most fighters – even unusual ones like Paul – losing is part of the development process. Will the setback affect his popularity? I doubt it Paul is more of a personality than an athlete, which is why he’ll only go so far in the sport.
BIGGEST WINNER II
Subriel Matias – The Puerto Rican’s reaction after stopping Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win his first major title on Saturday was telling. He wasn’t overly animated or excited in spite of the breakthrough. Instead, he maintained a straight face and had a matter-of-fact attitude. “I came to win,” he said simply. That confidence undoubtedly is a key reason for his success. Matias got off to a slow start against the hard-charging Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) but remained calm, weathered the storm and then shifted into another gear that led to Ponce’s demise. The 30-year-old from Fajardo proceeded to pound his Argentine opponent until he could fight no more after five rounds, further evidence of Matias’ destructive power. Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) has stopped everyone he has fought, including Petros Ananyan in a rematch of his only loss. He’s now eyeing what would be the toughest test of his career, a meeting with fellow beltholder Regis Prograis. Matias would be an underdog in that fight but it wouldn’t be wise to underestimate him. He has performed too well to be dismissed.
BIGGEST WINNER III
Badou Jack – The best fighter on the Fury-Paul card was Jack, a 39-year-old Swede who has had notable success in three divisions over the past 13-plus years. His 12th-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu to take Makabu’s WBC cruiserweight title was one of the highlights of his career, which also has been marked by several controversial setbacks in title fights. That includes tight draws with James DeGale (168 pounds) and Adonis Stevenson (175), as well as a close split-decision loss against Jean Pascal (175) in 2019. Jack then moved up in weight to make an unlikely run at a 200-pound title, as he was in his late 30s. Well, he didn’t look his age on Sunday. He was a step ahead of the 35-year-old Makabu (29-3, 25 KOs) from the outset. He was quick, athletic and much too good for the now-former champion in the end. And the late knockout was a beautiful touch, a punctuation mark that gave Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) a major belt in a second division as he is approaching his 40th birthday and reminded fans of how good he is as an all-around fighter.
MOST AGELESS
Another exhibition bout against an overmatched MMA fighter, another easy "win" for Floyd Mayweather. Floyd was just having fun out there. Congrats to Aaron Chalmers on showing up and getting a bag. #MayweatherChalmerspic.twitter.com/yxPvh9hbpG
Floyd Mayweather – Mayweather is wise not to challenge himself at his age, 46. There’s no point in risking brain cells after his long, glorious career. The goal now is to enjoy life, which he evidently is doing. That said, one has to wonder how he might do if he decided to face a genuine threat in a sanctioned bout six years after he closed out his career against Conor McGregor. It’s difficult to gauge what this version of Mayweather is capable of based on his exhibition against television personality and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers on Saturday in London because of Chalmers’ limitations. Mayweather could outbox an amateur like that when he’s 60. That said, he sure looked sharp. His jab and power punches were quick, well-timed and accurate. He still has good reflexes. And moves well for an old guy. In other words, he looked a lot like the old Floyd Mayweather. He also looked reasonably fit for someone who isn’t a full-time athlete. And, of course, his ring acumen is intact. So how would he do against a top 147-pounder? I think he would lose to the top welterweights – Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr. and maybe a few others – but I’d bet he could beat the next-level contenders. It’s probably a good thing that we’ll never know.
Floyd Mayweather reminded us in his exhibition with Aaron Chalmers what made him one of the best of all time.
Floyd Mayweather turned 46 a few days. He couldn’t possibly compete at a high level against prime opponents in sanctioned bouts at this stage of the game.
Or could he?
“Money” looked a lot like the dominating fighter he was at his best in an eight-round exhibition with reality TV star and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers on Saturday at O2 Arena in London, Mayweather’s first-ever fight in the U.K.
He didn’t try to beat up Chalmers even though he certainly could have. He merely showed glimpses of what made him great, firing off his quick, accurate jab and landing a variety of power shots at will. Chalmers was as much a spectator as anyone else.
And what about Chalmers’ offensive efforts? Forget it.
The 35-year-old Englishman tried to land punches but he was in against arguably the greatest defensive fighter of all time. Mayweather saw everything coming as if Chalmers was moving in slow motion and ducked out of the way.
Either that or he beat Chalmers to the punch, connecting on shots when Chalmers opened up to set up his own punches.
In other words, it was mission impossible for the grossly overmatched Chalmers. His only accomplishment was remaining on his feet until the final bell, which is something.
Chalmers stated the obvious when he said afterward, “He’s f—ing unbelievable. I just want to tell the grandkids [one day].”
Mayweather began to inject his personality into the fight around the fifth round, when he started talking to those at ringside while he was exchanging punchers with Chalmers. Yes, Mayweather added another weapon to his arsenal late in life: multitasking.
In the end, the crowd seemed to appreciate the opportunity to watch a once-great boxer demonstrate the skill set that led him to a perfect 50-0 record and to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Mayweather was asked afterward whether he might make another appearance in the U.K. “If the fans want me to come back, I’ll come back,” he said to the cheers of the satisfied spectators.
And Mayweather certainly had a good time. He had said repeatedly going into the fight that his mission now is to entertain people. He certainly did that in front of a new audience on Saturday.
That was Mayweather’s sixth exhibition. There obviously are more to come.
Jake Paul, who fights Tommy Fury on Sunday in Saudi Arabia, has been mentioned as a potential opponent. Mayweather already fought Paul’s brother, Logan Paul. But he made it clear he won’t face Paul or anyone else who has a legitimate chance to hurt him.
Those days are behind him. He just wants to enjoy himself now, as he did on Saturday.
Floyd Mayweather reminded us in his exhibition with Aaron Chalmers what made him one of the best of all time.
Floyd Mayweather turned 46 a few days. He couldn’t possibly compete at a high level against prime opponents in sanctioned bouts at this stage of the game.
Or could he?
“Money” looked a lot like the dominating fighter he was at his best in an eight-round exhibition with reality TV star and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers on Saturday at O2 Arena in London, Mayweather’s first-ever fight in the U.K.
He didn’t try to beat up Chalmers even though he certainly could have. He merely showed glimpses of what made him great, firing off his quick, accurate jab and landing a variety of power shots at will. Chalmers was as much a spectator as anyone else.
And what about Chalmers’ offensive efforts? Forget it.
The 35-year-old Englishman tried to land punches but he was in against arguably the greatest defensive fighter of all time. Mayweather saw everything coming as if Chalmers was moving in slow motion and ducked out of the way.
Either that or he beat Chalmers to the punch, connecting on shots when Chalmers opened up to set up his own punches.
In other words, it was mission impossible for the grossly overmatched Chalmers. His only accomplishment was remaining on his feet until the final bell, which is something.
Chalmers stated the obvious when he said afterward, “He’s f—ing unbelievable. I just want to tell the grandkids [one day].”
Mayweather began to inject his personality into the fight around the fifth round, when he started talking to those at ringside while he was exchanging punchers with Chalmers. Yes, Mayweather added another weapon to his arsenal late in life: multitasking.
In the end, the crowd seemed to appreciate the opportunity to watch a once-great boxer demonstrate the skill set that led him to a perfect 50-0 record and to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Mayweather was asked afterward whether he might make another appearance in the U.K. “If the fans want me to come back, I’ll come back,” he said to the cheers of the satisfied spectators.
And Mayweather certainly had a good time. He had said repeatedly going into the fight that his mission now is to entertain people. He certainly did that in front of a new audience on Saturday.
That was Mayweather’s sixth exhibition. There obviously are more to come.
Jake Paul, who fights Tommy Fury on Sunday in Saudi Arabia, has been mentioned as a potential opponent. Mayweather already fought Paul’s brother, Logan Paul. But he made it clear he won’t face Paul or anyone else who has a legitimate chance to hurt him.
Those days are behind him. He just wants to enjoy himself now, as he did on Saturday.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Aaron Chalmers: LIVE updates, results, full coverage.
Floyd Mayweather used Aaron Chalmers to give fans in London glimpses of what made him great in an eight-round exhibition.
The Hall of Famer, who turned 46 a few days ago, had his way with the British reality TV star and former MMA fighter. He landed almost at will and took almost no punches, which was a familiar sight for those who have followed his career.
There was no scoring as it wasn’t a sanctioned bout but Mayweather would’ve won by shutout.
The event was about fun, for the crowd, for Chalmers and for Mayweather. And everyone seemed to have a good time.
That can only mean one thing: This certainly isn’t the last we’ve seen of “Money” in the ring. There is more money to be made and more fans to please.
Mayweather’s jab looks vintage. So quick, so accurate.
***
Chalmers doesn’t even see the punches coming; his reflexes aren’t’ quick enough. Mayweather is throwing power shots here and there but he’s taking his time. He obviously wants to the give the crowd a show.
***
Mayweather didn’t look like a 46-year-old in the first round. Still quick, still has good timing, still punches accurately.
***
Mayweather and Chalmers are in the ring. We’re only a few minutes away from the exhibition.
***
Floyd Mayweather is scheduled to face British reality TV star and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers today (Saturday) in a pay-per-view exhibition at O2 Arena in London.
The featured bouts begin at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. U.K. time). The main event will take place later in show.
Boxing Junkie will post the result of the main event immediately after it ends. Simply return to this post and refresh when the time comes.
Full coverage – a fight story, photo gallery and analysis – will follow on separate posts the day of the fight and the following day.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Aaron Chalmers: LIVE updates, results, full coverage.
Floyd Mayweather used Aaron Chalmers to give fans in London glimpses of what made him great in an eight-round exhibition.
The Hall of Famer, who turned 46 a few days ago, had his way with the British reality TV star and former MMA fighter. He landed almost at will and took almost no punches, which was a familiar sight for those who have followed his career.
There was no scoring as it wasn’t a sanctioned bout but Mayweather would’ve won by shutout.
The event was about fun, for the crowd, for Chalmers and for Mayweather. And everyone seemed to have a good time.
That can only mean one thing: This certainly isn’t the last we’ve seen of “Money” in the ring. There is more money to be made and more fans to please.
Mayweather’s jab looks vintage. So quick, so accurate.
***
Chalmers doesn’t even see the punches coming; his reflexes aren’t’ quick enough. Mayweather is throwing power shots here and there but he’s taking his time. He obviously wants to the give the crowd a show.
***
Mayweather didn’t look like a 46-year-old in the first round. Still quick, still has good timing, still punches accurately.
***
Mayweather and Chalmers are in the ring. We’re only a few minutes away from the exhibition.
***
Floyd Mayweather is scheduled to face British reality TV star and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers today (Saturday) in a pay-per-view exhibition at O2 Arena in London.
The featured bouts begin at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. U.K. time). The main event will take place later in show.
Boxing Junkie will post the result of the main event immediately after it ends. Simply return to this post and refresh when the time comes.
Full coverage – a fight story, photo gallery and analysis – will follow on separate posts the day of the fight and the following day.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Aaron Chalmers: date, time, how to watch, background
Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather is scheduled to face reality TV star and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers in an exhibition in London.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. AARON CHALMERS
Date: Saturday, Feb. 25
Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: O2 Arena, London
TV/Stream: Pay-per-view ($29.99)
At stake: Exhibition
Background: Mayweather will be taking part in his sixth exhibition and making his debut in the U.K. The 46-year-old Hall of Famer was scheduled to face Muay Thai fighter Liam Harrison but Harrison pulled out because of an injury. Enter Chalmers, a British reality television star and former MMA competitor (5-2) with one boxing match, a decision over journeyman Alexander Zeledon at middleweight last June in Liverpool. He appeared on the shows “Geordie Shore” and “Ex on the Beach.” Mayweather’s exhibitions: Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018, Logan Paul in 2021, Don Moore last May, Mikuru Asakura in September and Deji Olatunji in November. He last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor in 10 rounds to run his record to 50-0. Mayweather turned 46 today (Feb. 24).
Floyd Mayweather vs. Aaron Chalmers: date, time, how to watch, background
Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather is scheduled to face reality TV star and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers in an exhibition in London.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. AARON CHALMERS
Date: Saturday, Feb. 25
Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: O2 Arena, London
TV/Stream: Pay-per-view ($29.99)
At stake: Exhibition
Background: Mayweather will be taking part in his sixth exhibition and making his debut in the U.K. The 46-year-old Hall of Famer was scheduled to face Muay Thai fighter Liam Harrison but Harrison pulled out because of an injury. Enter Chalmers, a British reality television star and former MMA competitor (5-2) with one boxing match, a decision over journeyman Alexander Zeledon at middleweight last June in Liverpool. He appeared on the shows “Geordie Shore” and “Ex on the Beach.” Mayweather’s exhibitions: Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018, Logan Paul in 2021, Don Moore last May, Mikuru Asakura in September and Deji Olatunji in November. He last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor in 10 rounds to run his record to 50-0. Mayweather turned 46 today (Feb. 24).
Floyd Mayweather ahead of his exhibition with Aaron Chalmers: “If I was taking brutal punishment, I couldn’t do it anymore.”
Don’t expect Floyd Mayweather to take any risks in his exhibition career.
The 46-year-old Hall of Famer, who will face Aaron Chalmers on pay-per-view Saturday at O2 Arena in London, made it clear he has no desire to face the bigger Jake Paul in a sanctioned bout or meet Manny Pacquiao a second time in an exhibition.
He wants to entertain fans while maintaining his good health.
“If I was taking brutal punishment, I couldn’t do it anymore,” he said at a news conference Wednesday in London. “My career was great because of my defense. My faculties were important to me.
“I retired from the sport and I didn’t let the sport retire me.”
Jake Paul?
“We spoke to Jake Paul before and we can only do it an exhibition because of the weight disadvantage,” Mayweather said. “I’m not chasing it anymore. I have accomplished everything I could in boxing.
“We have so many young fighters in boxing today. Give them a chance to go out there so they can shine?
Pacquiao?
“We had a chance to do it when it really counted, for all the marbles,” Mayweather said. “I was able to go out there and generate crazy numbers. You know what the result was.
“My focus is Saturday. That’s why I’m here, to entertain people and the United Kingdom.”
Chalmers, a 35-year-old from Newcastle, England, is a reality television star in the U.K. with experience in MMA. He made his boxing debut in June, outpointing journeyman Alexander Zeledon in a four-rounder.
Mayweather, who will be making his debut in the U.K., was respectful of his opponent.
“I’ve seen everything but you can never overlook a guy or underestimate a guy,” he said. “He believes in his skills and talent. My job is to entertain and do what I do. I don’t have to have fast hand or feet. The proof is in pudding.
“… With all these fighters, I want them to give it 100%. We’re here to entertain. The U.K. has a big fight market, it’s huge. I want him to be at his best and give it his all.”
Mayweather will be taking part in his sixth exhibition. His previous exhibitions: Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018, Logan Paul in 2021, Don Moore last May, Mikuru Asakura in September and Deji Olatunji in November.
He last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor in 10 rounds to run his record to 50-0.
