Bullfighters Only to launch new Wrangler Bullfights at celebrated rodeo
SAN ANTIONIO – The greatest indoor event in ProRodeo is about to be even better.
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is teaming with Bullfighters Only to produce a legendary freestyle bullfight during this year’s Xtreme Bulls event, set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. The high-stakes competition will take place at the AT&T Center and will feature the best in the BFO battling for their share of a $25,000 purse – half of which will go to the winner.
“It’s an honor to be associated with an organization like San Antonio,” said Aaron Ferguson, BFO’s founder and CEO. “Getting the spotlight on a stage of that magnitude is incredible for our sport and the athletes. Plus, they are competing for a lot of money.”
San Antonio will be the first event of the newly revitalized Wrangler Bullfights Tour, which was established in the early 1980s and disbanded in 2001. Bullfighters Only has formed a partnership with Wrangler Jeans and Shirts to showcase the world’s top bullfighters at rodeos across the country.
“Bullfighters Only has established a following showcasing the best athletes in freestyle bullfighting,” said Glen Alan Phillips, chief strategy officer at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
San Antonio has been named the Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for the past 13 years. It’s status as one of the best rodeos has been cemented, and that’s why Bullfighters Only is excited to be part of the celebration.
“San Antonio is a rodeo I’ve always dreamed about competing in,” said Weston Rutkowski, the two-time and reigning BFO world champion from Haskell, Texas. “Now they’re bringing in the BFO Wrangler Bullfights, and giving me the opportunity to do what I do best in front of thousands of people.
Rutkowski will be joined by a stellar cast of the BFO’s top talent: Toby Inman, Kris Furr, Dayton Spiel and Tanner Zarnetski are all set to compete. The sixth contender will be decided Saturday, Feb. 17, during the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. Justin Josey, Zach Call and Schell Apple will square off against counterparts from 2017 BFO Stock Contractor of the Year, Rockin’ B & Magnifica Fighting Bulls.
“This is a really big deal for us,” Rutkowski said. “We started the BFO three years ago, and it’s exciting to see the types of rodeos that are getting on the BFO wagon.”
CONTESTANTS
Weston Rutkowski
Toby Inman
Kris Furr
Dayton Spiel
Tanner Zarnetski
San Angelo winner