REVISITING LT NELSON VS. JAMES CONNELLY 1

With the rematch scrapped, let’s take a look back at the razor-thin original fight in 2023.

BYB was set to punch off its 2025 campaign with the return of one of their best pound for pound fighters in LT Nelson (6-1-1, 6 KO). “Smash” was slated for a chance to rectify one of the few blemishes on his otherwise world class bare knuckle CV, defending his Super Middleweight crown against James Connelly (6-5-1, 1 KO) on Jan. 11th. Unfortunately, news broke earlier this week, that the fight has been postponed. You can read all the details why here.

This is obviously very disappointing for all fans as their first meeting, a Fight of the Year candidate back in 2023, ended in a draw. The two were set for another monumental clash that, by all indications, was set to be another all-time clash.

With the rematch now kicked further down the road, to hold us over until then, let's take a deep dive into the Fight of the Year contender in their first meeting. 

Round 1: 

The opening round featured a number of momentum swings between the two fighters following a slow-paced start to the fight. Connelly seemed to be in control for much of the first half of the round, using his jab to keep Nelson at bay while controlling the centre of the trigon. Eventually, Nelson realizes Connelly is uncomfortable at close range and starts applying his own pressure in typical “Smash” fashion. He starts letting his hands go and begins to control the trigon himself for the second half of the round. However, a late exchange leads to a Connelly knockdown over Nelson at the ten second mark, but the South African product would answer the count as the bell sounded. 

Round 2: 

Given how round 1 ended, Nelson begins this one on the front foot, dictating the pace from the get-go. However, Connelly’s timing allows him to find openings in Nelson’s offence. Both men continue to land shots on each other, but Nelson’s pressure is becoming increasingly violent. He’s throwing way more punches than Connelly while consistently keeping the fight in close range, initiating the clinch whenever he can. The round ends with LT “smashing” away at the challenger's body while firmly in his personal space. 

Round 3: 

Round 3 is much of the same as both men continue to trade shots. It’s during this round you start to notice the respective gameplans of both fighters. LT knows this is Connelly’s first bout in the trigon which is why he’s so keen on keeping the fight in the clinch. It fits his natural style which is something Connelly is unfamiliar with. For much of the round, LT is able to maintain his output but to Connelly’s credit, he is also causing damage even if he isn’t throwing as often as Nelson. Connelly’s answer to Nelson’s style is staying behind the jab, countering when he sees fit, and holding tight whenever “Smash” closes in. I’d say LT controlled most of the round thanks to his pressure, but Connelly had heavy shots and closed it out on a high note.

Round 4: 

The output of Nelson seems to have caught up to Connelly at this point in the fight as his movement is starting to slow up. Most of LT’s clinch offence consisted of body work and at round 4, it was clear Connelly was starting to feel the effects. Holding became a substitute for punching as Nelson continued to get in his grill. So much so that the ref had to deduct one point from Connelly for the excessive holding. 

Round 5: 

The final round would see a sense of urgency from Connelly as he showed a willingness to push the pace early in the round. He would also trade with LT a lot more than in previous rounds but that would end up gassing out the former BKB product. His output dwindled and it went back to LT’s pace for the rest of the round. Connelly’s only answer would be holding which would lead to another point deduction, effectively ending any shot he had at winning the fight especially with him potentially winning the final round until the point deduction. 

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Whenever we do see the rematch, I expect a pretty similar fight to the one we had in 2023. However, I also believe the two fighters have learned lessons from and since that bout. Connelly should obviously know not to hold as much and should better prepare for the pressure awaiting him from Nelson (easier said than done). While Nelson should be wary of Connelly’s awkward timing and heavy handed attack. After all, he did land the bigger shots in their first fight and even knocked him down. Regardless, the two styles seem to be a match made in bare knuckle heaven. Let’s just hope we get a definitive winner this time. 

Photo Courtesy of BYB.