Johnny 'Cannoli' Garbarino to headline BKFC's 'Liberty Brawl' in South Philly this summer
Philly’s own Johnny Garbarino will fight Mike ‘The Marine’ Richman for BKFC’s ‘Liberty Brawl’ on July 3 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s return to Philly is bound to bring fireworks this Fourth of July weekend.
For the country’s 250th anniversary, the promotion will return to Xfinity Mobile Arena on July 3 for a third time for the “Liberty Brawl,” a fight card dedicated to the celebration of America. And at its center is South Philly fighter Johnny Garbarino.
“This isn’t just another venue to me. This is my backyard,” Garbarino said in a news release. “I grew up blocks from this arena. I played here as a kid, fought here as a man, and built my name in this city. These aren’t just fans to me. These are my people. We come from the same blood. The blood of Italian Americans. Nobody comes into South Philadelphia expecting to take my place in front of my people. July 3 is going to be my night, and a memorable night for the fans. I promise.”
Undefeated Garbarino (4-0) will take on former two-time BKFC world champion and fifth-ranked Mike “The Marine” Richman (8-3) as the feature fight of the night.
“Johnny ‘Cannoli’ Garbarino has become one of the most popular professional athletes in Philly with his exciting victories along with his fan-friendly style and charisma,” David Feldman, the founder and president of BKFC, said in a news release. “However, Mike Richman is one of the most accomplished and baddest men we’ve had in BKFC. This is an explosive matchup and one that truly belongs on this monumental card celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country.”
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Garbarino, a former chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant, has been featured in both of the previous BKFC events at Xfinity Mobile Arena. He made easy work of both opponents and ended his first fight at the arena with a marriage proposal to his longtime girlfriend, Gianna Scavetti (now Gianna Garbarino) in the middle of the ring.
Since then, he’s made quite the name for himself, becoming the Flyers’ — and The Inquirer’s — fight coach and sparking a melee outside Barstool Sansom.
“On July 3rd, in historic South Philadelphia at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, I plan on making history,” Garbarino said in a news release. “Not just Philadelphia sports history, but world combat sports history. I believe the fireworks are going to come a day early this year, and cannolis are gonna fly.”
The main event of the card will feature undefeated Austin “No Doubt” Trout and former world champion Ben “The Bomber” Bonner as they compete for the vacant lightweight world title. As the coheadliner, Britain Hart will defend her strawweight world title against top-ranked Sarah “TNT” Shell.
