The undercard of BKB 49 features a fascinating clash of styles and sizes that a lot of bare knuckle betting fans are overlooking. We have the veteran BKB stalwart Paul “The Soulsnatcher” Hilz taking on former UFC fighter Jack “The Hammer” Marshman.
There is a narrative floating around that this is Marshman’s farewell fight. If that is true, Hilz is the exact type of spoiler who loves to ruin a retirement party. But when you look at the physical attributes, this is a massive mountain for Hilz to climb.
Tale of the Tape
| Statistic | Paul “The Soulsnatcher” Hilz | Jack “The Hammer” Marshman |
| Age | 44 | 35 |
| Height | 5’11” | 6’0″ |
| Weight | ~170 lbs (Super Middle) | ~185 lbs (Cruiser) |
| Style | Shell Defense & Counters | Forward Pressure |
| Key Weapon | Looping Overhand Right | Size & Strength |
Paul Hilz: The Veteran Spoiler
Hilz is 44 years old, but he is one of the most durable guys in the game. He fights very square and compact, almost sitting in a “cockpit” behind his guard. He loves to shell up, absorb shots on the arms, and then dig that uppercut to the body.
His background is interesting – he is believed to have Muay Thai experience, and you can see it in how he controls the clinch. His best weapon is a weird, looping overhand right. It comes out like a whip and catches guys behind the guard because the trajectory is so unusual.
However, Hilz is a natural Super Middleweight giving up significant weight here. He is compact and tough, but he is 5’11” and giving up size to a guy who has fought much bigger men.
Jack Marshman: The Cruiserweight Factor
Marshman is a Cruiserweight and a former UFC Middleweight. Honestly, I view him as an average fighter in terms of pure skill, but his resume commands respect. He has taken some tough losses in BKB, but they aged well – specifically his loss to Cub Hawkins. Hawkins is a beast, so there is no shame in that.
Marshman is just bigger and stronger in every exchange. He doesn’t do anything flashy, but he is 35, younger than Hilz, and carries that “old man strength” without actually being the old man in the fight.
The Prediction
I like Paul Hilz. He is a gamer, he has a decent chin, and he stays consistent for every single round. He won’t quit. But physics is a problem here.
Marshman is walking in around 185 lbs (probably heavier on fight night) while Hilz is walking around at 170. Marshman is going to bully him in the clinch and push him around the ring.
Hilz might land that whip right hand a few times, but I don’t think it will be enough to keep Marshman off him. The size difference will wear Hilz down by the third round.
Official Pick: The size and age difference is too much. Jack Marshman wins by KO.
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