The bare-knuckle calendar is closing out 2025 with violence at the Vale Arena in Cardiff. While the main event gets the headlines, the real fireworks are hidden on the undercard. Today we’re looking at Dan Matthews vs Steve Rouke.
This heavyweight clash at BKB 49 is a classic style matchup: the technical sniper against the chaotic brawler. At AltBoxing.com, we broke down the tape to see who falls first.
Tale of the Tape: Dan Matthews vs Steve Rouke
| Statistic | Dan Matthews | Steve “Undeniable” Rouke |
| Record | 1-1 (1 KO) | 2-1 (2 KOs) |
| Division | Heavyweight | Super Cruiserweight |
| Home | Rhondda Valley, Wales | Lancashire, UK |
| Style | Technical Counter-Puncher | Frenetic Brawler |
Analyzing Dan Matthews
Matthews is a big man from the Rhondda Valley, but he moves like a middleweight. He has excellent head movement and changes levels to keep opponents guessing. He isn’t just a brawler; he’s a technical boxer who understands range.
However, he has a dangerous habit. In almost every exchange, he wins the first punch, gets caught on the second, and wins the third. Against a volume puncher like Rouke, getting caught on that second shot could be a problem.
His biggest strength is his composure. Matthews is a very hard puncher, but he doesn’t overthrow. He knows he doesn’t need to load up to hurt you. He stays technical, shells up well on defense, and fires back with precision.
Analyzing Steve Rouke
Rouke is the complete opposite. He is a frantic, fast starter who wants to turn the Dan Matthews vs Steve Rouke fight into a phone-booth war immediately. Fighting at Super Cruiserweight, he relies on speed and volume to overwhelm bigger guys.
His defense is his weak point. Tape study shows he is restricted almost entirely to a right slip. It’s predictable. If Matthews times that slip, Rouke is waking up looking at the lights.
Prediction: Dan Matthews vs Steve Rouke
I think the Dan Matthews vs Steve Rouke fight ends early. Matthews will try to establish the jab, but his entries can be lazy. That is where Rouke will swarm him.
Rouke will land that “second punch” Matthews is susceptible to. Matthews will eat a shot, but he won’t fold. Because Rouke relies so heavily on that right slip, he is walking into a trap.
Matthews is too technical to get bullied for long. He will weather the early storm, wait for Rouke to overcommit on the slip, and catch him clean. He won’t overthrow the counter; he’ll just place it on the button.
For more betting angles, check out our Heavyweight Rankings or visit the official BKB World site for ticket info.
Official Pick: Matthews by KO.
