Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) founder and president David Feldman is stepping up in a big way to support Walter Zerod, a Michigan Red Baron employee whose treatment by a streamer sparked national outrage and an outpouring of support. Feldman has pledged a personal donation to the growing fundraising effort and is going one step further, inviting Zerod and his family on an all-expenses-paid Caribbean getaway to BKFSea in January 2027.
BKFSea sets sail aboard Norwegian Jewel, traveling from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas. More than just a vacation, the one-of-a-kind experience will put Zerod and his family in the heart of the BKFC action, with live bare-knuckle fights at sea, exclusive opportunities to meet BKFC stars, nonstop entertainment and unforgettable experiences alongside fighters and fans.
Feldman was moved to act after learning about the worker’s experience through the GoFundMe campaign. According to the fundraiser, a streamer approached the employee and pretended to steal money using his phone, then laughed as the worker explained his distress. The campaign was launched to help provide financial support for the employee and his family amid uncertainty following the incident.
“We’re a combat sports organization, but there’s no place for bullying or humiliating someone who’s just trying to do their job,” said Feldman. “This man was working hard to provide for his family, and somebody decided his dignity was worth sacrificing for a few clicks. That’s wrong, and the moment I saw this, I had to respond. Nobody should have to endure humiliation while trying to earn a living.”
The donation and invitation reflect Feldman’s commitment to turning an act of disrespect into meaningful support. Along with helping to ease the family’s immediate financial pressure, he wants to welcome them into a BKFC community that stands up for people who deserve better.
“Our fans are as tough as they come, and they have big hearts,” Feldman continued. “We stand up for hardworking Americans, like Walter. We want them to enjoy themselves on the cruise, feel welcome and know that the entire BKFC family and community is in their corner.”
BKFSea is the ultimate combat sports cruise, bringing the excitement of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) to the high seas for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind fan experience. Taking place January 22–25, 2027, aboard the Norwegian Jewel, the three-night voyage sails from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, combining live bare-knuckle fighting, exclusive fighter meet-and-greets, interactive fan experiences, live entertainment, nightlife and more. Designed to bring fans closer to the action and their favorite BKFC personalities than ever before, BKFSea delivers an immersive, action-packed getaway that blends world-class combat sports with the excitement of a Caribbean cruise. For more information and reservations, visit www.BKFSea.com
Those wishing to support Walter and his family can visit the GoFundMe campaign.
About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is the first promotion allowed to hold a legal, sanctioned, and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. Based in Philadelphia, and headed by President and former professional boxer David Feldman, BKFC is dedicated to preserving the historical legacy of bare knuckle fighting, while utilizing a specifically created rule set that emphasizes fighter safety. BKFC holds all of its bouts in a revolutionary circular four-rope ring, designed to encourage fast-paced and exciting bouts. The patented BKFC “Squared Circle” contains scratch lines, based on the Broughton Rules which governed bare knuckle fighting in the 19th century, and which requires fighters to “Toe the Line”: start every round face to face, and just inches apart.
In BKFC, only those fighters who are established professionals in boxing, MMA, kickboxing, or Muay Thai are allowed to compete. The referees and judges are required to have extensive professional combat sports experience. All fights are held under the auspices and control of an Athletic Commission. Unlike other fighting organizations and combat sports internationally which claim to be “bare knuckle”, but require wraps, tape, and gauze; BKFC is true to its word as fighters are not allowed to wrap their hands to within one inch of the knuckle. This makes BKFC unquestionably the truest form of bare knuckle fighting. BKFC is dedicated to not just creating the safest, most exciting, and highest-level bare-knuckle fighting organization in the world, it’s also leading the way for a new fully recognized professional combat sport. BKFC is truly the sport of the future, which fully respects its remarkable past.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261030675790/en/
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