Since his high school days at Northern Lehigh, Nate Shook has had an interest in boxing.

That interest continued to grow with him through his days at Lehigh County Community College, Bloomsburg University and the Air Force Academy.

He felt fortunate to spend some time abroad, having a stay in Japan.

While stationed with the Air Force in North Carolina, Shook began his own brief boxing career, and eventually took over a boxing program.

Shook also served as boxing coach, and was confident the sport would serve as his ticket through life.

Fortunately for him, Shook’s life took an upward swing when he met boxing promoter David Feldman at an Arizona casino in 2011. Feldman had promoted MMA events at the time.

Traveling literally throughout the country and beyond, Shook always knew there was a purpose and connection with boxing.

“Since I was younger, I always wanted to do something with the sport,” said Shook, a 1998 Bulldog graduate. “I had some opportunities along my way, and I knew I was on the right road, especially when I met David.”

Shook helped Feldman promote a bare knuckles boxing event there, despite receiving backlash from state officials. The event drew more than 5,000 people, but more importantly, it attracted more than 70,000 viewers on a streaming network.

“I came off that show thinking this was unbelievable, with all of the attention it received,” said Feldman in a 2020 Philadelphia Inquirer article. “We just didn’t have many state athletic commissions willing to give us a chance.

“We tried, I don’t know, 29 states, to get bare-knuckle sanctioned, while I was promoting MMA events up and down the East Coast and all over the country. We had to take risks. We went underground with bare-knuckle fights for about five or six years, and got some publicity about them.”

From there, Shook was convinced his career was set. He began serving in a capacity with Feldman’s Bare Knuckles Championship (BKFC) in 2018, and is currently the organization’s chief talent officer.

The multi-million-dollar corporation is located in the suburban Philadelphia town of Broomall, yet they are sanctioned in 25 states and in various countries around the world.

Their scope is wide and long with upcoming events being held in Spain, Denver, Myrtle Beach and the United Kingdom. BKFC already has held bouts in Asia and Africa.

The sport is on the cusp of being sanctioned in Pennsylvania. Shook also has watched Shaquille O’Neal, Conor McGregor and other major sports and entertainment personalities become major supporters. McGregor recently became a part owner of the BKFC.

“It is the fastest growing sport in the world,” beamed Shook. “We’re averaging about 40 shows a year, and that is growing. It is a very combative sport, but it isn’t any more dangerous than any other sport.

“We have been among the top topics trending on social media outlets. We know we are on the right track.”

The bouts are five rounds of two minutes apiece. There are nine typical weight classes that are parallel to both the UFC and MMA, ranging from flyweight to heavyweight for both men and women. Ages for men and women fighters range from the early 20s to late 30s, though there have been older ones.

Shook stated fighters can attain a six-figure salary for the year due to increased cable and sponsorships. TrillerTV, which broadcasts boxing, UFC and MMA bouts worldwide, is their primary streaming outlet.

The sport has attracted several UFC veterans, but it will remain a separate entity.

Feldman has welcomed McGregor’s support, and is confident it can open several doors down the road.

“We had some unbelievable conversations, and exchanged some great ideas,” said Feldman at a recent press conference. “I was dying for Conor McGregor to call me, and now the guy won’t stop calling me. It’s unbelievable. But he is so excited about this thing. I really think it takes it to the next level.”

Shook is in lockstep with Feldman and McGregor. He is optimistic the state will soon sanction the sport, as there is a proposal for a bout at Wells Fargo Center in December. Shook also wants to bring bouts back home to the greater Lehigh Valley.

Even though his schedule is hectic and sporadic, Shook wouldn’t want it any other way.

“We’re very excited about the future,” said Shook. “I reached out to David (Feldman) many years ago, and I wasn’t sure what would happen.

“It’s been amazing to see what has happened, and I’m enjoying every moment.”