W for ‘The Big Hit’ at BDBKB 7 via corner stoppage

CNMI’s Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial put the Marianas on the map with a Round 1 win via corner stoppage against Lonnie Bickhem during the Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing 7 event on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Tachi Palace Casino Resort in Lemoore, California.

Fitial, who stopped fighting and competing in mixed martial arts for five years before making his BDBKB debut in 2024, said after his win, “It definitely feels good getting back into the winner’s column.” He added, “I felt extremely happy and deeply humbled. This Win, allows me to be the #1 contender for the belt. Another opportunity is forthcoming.”

When asked what was going through his mind during the fight, he said, “All I was thinking about was winning. Winning this fight was important to me because it’s bigger than me. I’m not just fighting for myself—I’m representing One Marianas, One Micronesia. I’m carrying my people, my roots, and everything that’s shaped me into who I am today.”

“I’m a proud son of NMI, with Chamorro, Carolinian and Pohnpeian roots,” said the 42-year-old.

Before this match, Fitial had the opportunity to become BDBKB’s first heavyweight champion in April, but he said he was unable to focus because Super Typhoon Sinlaku had just hit the CNMI. “I lost that fight due to referee stoppage, having been injured in the eye.”

For this recent fight, Fitial said he never stopped training. “I am constantly preparing myself mentally and physically for any opportunity that comes my way.” He added, “Now, more than ever, I feel great and confident in my abilities to continue pursuing what I love doing.”

Fitial and Guam’s Alex Castro were also on the same fight card, which Fitial said was special to him. “Alex Castro fought two fights in one night, unheard of and very rare. Super proud of him, definitely was a fight to watch. A lot of blood, sweat and tears,” said Fitial.

For his next competition, Fitial said it’ll be in Guam where he now resides. He is scheduled to compete at Submit VIII, a submission grappling event, on Friday, Sept. 11.

He then thanked the following: “I’d like to thank God, first and foremost. Thank the promoters of BDBKB for giving me this opportunity. My sponsors; International Sports Center, Guam and Tha Yard Fitness, Mr. Alex Castro, friends, most especially Taitan Grojo, family and fans all over for supporting me in this journey and rooting for me every step of the way.”

“Most importantly, I’d like to thank my wife for being there for me, loving me unconditionally and helping me prepare myself mentally and physically, sacrificing time away from our home, work and children,” he added.