Paedde, KK is bareknuckle because you don't punch full contact to the head!
I had a karate guy once diss boxing because we use gloves and headguard. I told him, ok i will spar FULL CONTACT Bare knuckle with you and we will do full contact punching to the head (i've also got a Karate and TKD background so i can handle kicks etc). He didn't take me up on my offer.
Fact is in the street or in the ring , you will face punches to the head more than any other technique. If you aren't ready to deal with it, your in trouble. No amount of body punching only is gonna help that.
It's good that you are cross training with boxing, should work out well
