4 things to learn about BKFC’s newest signee, Dameko Labon
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Imagine taking your gloves off and winning your debut in 21 seconds…
Welcome to Dameko Labon’s world. The 22-year-old boxer was recently signed by the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) after a quick knockout victory over Justin Watson. This spectacle occurred when the BKFC Prospect Series came to his home city of Miami.
Labon expects to fight in early 2024, and the sky’s the limit for him. Here are 4 things I learned after speaking with the Bahamian-American talent:
#1. Boxing is Labon’s True Love
Dameko Labon is actually a professional boxer. Earlier this year, he scored a unanimous decision victory over Cristopher Polanco in his debut. As of now, he is trying to find his place. “I’m just trying to get in where I fit in,” he admitted. “Right now, my bread and butter is boxing.”
Why did Labon take the bare knuckle opportunity? Because he is not scared, he aims to fight at least 5 times next year, alternating between the boxing gloves and bare-knuckle. He trusts his talent and plans on evolving to the next level.
With lucrative contracts being only at the top of boxing and MMA, it’s smart that Labon jumped on the BKFC opportunity at such a young age. Kai Stewart, the current BKFC featherweight champion, stands as a ray of hope, as he won his title at the same age: 22.
#2. Labon is Coached by a Former World Champion
Not many young professionals can say they are mentored by their idols. Labon can, however. Since the start of his career, Labon has been trained by the Jamaican road warrior Glen Johnson. He used to hold the IBF, IBO, and Ring Magazine light heavyweight boxing titles. He has also shared the ring with the likes of Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jr., and Carl Froch.
Johnson is very selective in deciding who he trains, as he has turned away many fighters. However, he has believed in Labon since day one. “He genuinely trusts what he believes in,” Labon explained. “If he tells me there is a goal for anybody or anything, I’m with it. I got ultimate faith in him.”
#3. Dameko Dreams Big
Labon’s family in Miami and in the Bahamas support him no matter what. They would be behind him regardless of what occupation he chose to do. “My biggest dream outside of fighting is just to retire both of my parents,” he shared.
When Labon reaches his career goals, he wants to improve this world. “I’m going to build a boxing gym and just really give back to the youth,” he vowed. “I’m really a people person and I want my city, my community to change for the better.”
Besides proving his doubters wrong inside the ring, Labon has one person he wants to prove right… Himself. It’s what drives him more than anything. On a separate note, former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington is the self-proclaimed “King of Miami.” However, Labon does not want to take his throne one day. “Miami is small. I want to be the king, period,” he explained. “I don’t think low; I think worldwide.”
It looks like Labon could challenge Mr. Worldwide, also known as the rapper Pitbull, for his throne instead.
#4. Yoel Romero’s Team once Recruited Labon for their Gym
At an Alpha Pro Gym, Yoel Romero and his team visited and showed Labon some taekwondo kicks. While respectfully declining the invite to join the gym, he stated that Romero and Tyron Woodley are his favorite fighters. “Man, my legs were sore for like two weeks,” he joked.
Be on the lookout for Labon to make a big splash with and without the gloves in 2024.
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Great interview, Anik!