Barstow's bare knuckle fighter ready for the moment of a lifetime at BKFC KnuckleMania IV
Andrew Angelcor’s metamorphosis from being a self-admitted “human being that sucked” to a role model for so many in Barstow is an underdog story that’s a perfect fit for Hollywood.
The young boxer had aspirations of turning professional by the age of 23 but just about succumbed to self destruction on the streets of Barstow as he battled with alcohol and drugs, along with petty crimes and jail time.
“My life sucked because I sucked,” Angelcor said of his troubled younger self, struggling to find his way.
Angelcor, 33, is looking to continue his redemption story as he is set to compete in his fifth career Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship fight on Saturday afternoon.
Angelcor will take on Ruben Warr at KnuckleMania IV, at the Peacock Theater, in Los Angeles.
His mom and wife will be in attendance, along with the countless supporters expected to make the trip from Barstow to Los Angeles.
“It’s a dream come true,” Angelcor said. “I found what I believe is my calling. It’s humbling because there was once a time where I was strung out on drugs and alcohol, in an out of jail and rehab. I went from the front page of the newspaper for getting felonies to being on the front page for representing Barstow proudly. Early on it was all about me. What can I gain? I wanted the whole world to kiss my ass and bow down to me. That was my downfall.”
Fighting for more than himself
On Wednesday afternoon, Angelcor posted a photo of the trunks he would be wearing for his bout against Warr.
His fight gear is flashy and something he takes great pride in.
The trunks are silver with red trimming. The front belt line reads Barstow in bright red letters while the shiny silver trunks have four patches sewn on the front, representing his sponsors High Rank Tattoo, Guerrilla Warfare Apparel, Drain Pros Plus and Slaughter House Management.
The back reads Angelcor on the belt, with four other patches for Victory Fitness, O'Brien Electric and Constriction, Unique Landscaping and Magduh Mealz.
It’s important to have those patches on his trunks because the support he has received has been almost overwhelming. That’s going to be key as Angelcor gets to fight in his home state, as BKFC puts on the company’s first-ever fight card in California.
“I go into fights knowing I represent so much more than just me because of all the people that now look up to me,” Angelcor said. “KnuckleMania is like the Super Bowl for this organization. BKFC is debuting in California. I get to do this in front of my people. I’m always the guy that flies in and has to fight into a choir of boos. It’s going to be great to feel the energy of the people that support me. Barstow, stand up. This is way beyond me because I have a whole city behind me.”
‘Confident in the preparation’
It’s not common for fighters to compete a month between fights. But Warr jumped at the opportunity to fight Angelcor.
Warr has a background in MMA where he amassed a 12-12 record as a professional. He debuted in the BKFC on March 29 and knocked out Lorenzo Coca in the first round.
“I was homeless for a time, so I was taking fights on three days' notice,” Warr said. “I’ve always done this; I’ve always been ready for anything.
“If you can fight again in 30 days or less, then why not? I want to be as active as possible.”
As for Angelcor, his last fight was on the BKFC 50 card, in Denver, on Sept. 22. He beat Brett Hudson with a first round TKO.
Angelcor aims to get past Warr and fight Bobby Taylor, who he has been calling out over the last year.
Taylor is ranked No. 5 in the lightweight division, and a victory over him could put Angelcor in the mix for a title shot down the line.
Knowing not to overlook Warr is important. Angelcor is just confident before entering the bout.
“I train my ass off and that’s why I’m confident that I will win this fight because I’m confident in the preparation,” Angelcor said. “There’s nothing this guy can bring to me that I haven’t already dealt with. You better kill me if you think you’re going to win.”
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Barstow's bare knuckle fighter overcomes the odds, set for next fight
