A CARMARTHEN fighter who once turned his life around after time behind bars is now making waves on the international bareknuckle boxing scene — and says he’s proud to represent West Wales on the toughest stage in the sport.

Luke Steele, from Carmarthen town, has become one of the leading names in Welsh bareknuckle boxing. Last year, he travelled to war-torn Ukraine to compete in Kyiv, where he fought against some of the toughest men in the sport at the height of the conflict.

“I became the first bareknuckle boxer from Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire,” Luke told The Herald. “I’ve fought against the toughest men on the planet — right in the heart of Kyiv.”

Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, earning the title of Featherweight Welsh Bareknuckle Boxing Champion. Now, he’s preparing for the biggest fight of his career — on December 13 — when he competes in the BKFC, a global platform backed by UFC star Conor McGregor.

The 28-year-old fighter says his journey shows that anyone can turn their life around: “I’ve gone from a dangerous prisoner to a professional athlete. I want people to see that it can be done — you can change for the better.”

Luke hopes his success will inspire other young people across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire to channel their energy into sport and positive goals.

“My dream is to put South West Wales on the map,” he said. “No one is representing Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire the way I am — and I’m just getting started.”

IT’S not every day you get a WhatsApp message telling you to get a visa — followed by an invitation to compete at the Beijing Rallycross. But that’s exactly what happened to local rally driver Chris Hand, who was contacted by the UCRC Rally Team in China and soon found himself packing his bags for a ten-hour flight to Beijing.

For Chris, a Cilwendeg Rally winner and the current runner-up in the 2025 BRC National Championship, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — and one he grasped with both hands, despite having no prior rallycross experience.

“Rallycross was a completely new discipline for me,” said Chris. “But after a few test runs, we quickly found our rhythm. Working our way through the heats, we lined up fourth for the final. After a hard-fought five-lap race, we managed to bring it home in second place.”

Chris first met William from the UCRC Rally Team during the Grampian Forestry Rally in August, where William took a shine to Chris’s distinctive yellow Toyota Starlet. A few Zoom calls later, an official invitation arrived — and so began an unforgettable adventure.

“It still feels surreal — just an average guy from west Wales competing in such a major international event. It was a truly unbelievable experience. A huge thank you to everyone back home who’s helped keep the wheels turning and made this possible through their support — especially my wife, Letty, whose encouragement means the world.”

Competing in identical cars made for close, fast-paced racing. “There were split seconds between us all,” Chris said. “Without a navigator, it was just pure reaction and focus — and a lot of fun!”

Chris was joined on the trip by Sam Mason, a BRC contender in the Junior Rally 4 category, who sadly suffered a serious accident during the event and was taken to hospital.

Despite the challenges — including a significant language barrier — Chris said the welcome from the UCRC Rally Team was exceptional. “William’s daughter was an incredible help, translating everything and even taking me to see the Great Wall of China and the Bird’s Nest Stadium.”

Reflecting on the experience, Chris added: “I met incredible people on my journey and made lasting friendships. I’d definitely go back again. I’m so grateful to the UCRC Rally Team for making this trip possible.”

Article by Anwen Francis

ARGENTINA 52 – WALES 28
WALES were outgunned in Cardiff as Argentina delivered a ruthless attacking display to run out 52-28 winners in an entertaining but sobering Autumn Nations Series encounter.

The Pumas crossed for a string of well-worked tries, with wingers Mateo Carreras and Bautista Delguy among the scorers, as they tore through a Welsh defence that struggled to cope with their pace and precision.

Argentina dominate the opening exchanges

Argentina set the tone early, dominating possession and territory. Their sharp backline combinations repeatedly found space on the flanks, with Carreras crossing twice before half-time. Fly-half Santiago Carreras dictated play superbly, keeping Wales pinned back with clever kicks and crisp distribution.

Wales show flashes of fight

Wales did find moments of hope, with their fly-half diving over for a well-taken try after a sustained period of pressure midway through the first half. A penalty try early in the second period briefly narrowed the gap, and the scrum-half added another score after a sniping break close to the line.

However, a missed conversion and some loose defending soon allowed Argentina to reassert control. The Pumas’ physical forwards and relentless breakdown work ensured quick ball, and the visitors’ clinical finishing turned opportunities into points time and again.

Clinical finishing seals it

Argentina’s scrum-half added penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking, and every Welsh mistake seemed to be punished. Despite flashes of attacking intent from Wales, the home side never looked likely to close the gap as Argentina continued to pile on the pressure until the final whistle.

Positives and problems

There were positives for Wales — notably the energy shown in attack and moments of creativity from the half-backs — but defensive lapses and discipline remain a concern. Argentina’s superior power and accuracy proved decisive, giving them a comprehensive and deserved victory.

The final scoreline reflected the difference in execution: Argentina 52, Wales 28.