Bare-knuckle boxing

Bare-knuckle boxing is a full-contact combat sport where participants strike one another using only their hands. Unlike modern boxing, fighters do not use any form of padding or gloves on their hands.

This distinction makes the sport a unique test of skill and toughness. While it might look like street fighting, it is actually a structured athletic endeavor. It follows specific sets of rules that govern how the combatants interact. These rules help transform raw fighting into a recognized sport.

Historically, the mechanics of the sport were quite chaotic. Early accounts from 1713 describe techniques like headbutting, eye-gouging, and hard throws.

There were no weight divisions, no referees, and no round limits. A match would only end if a fighter could not "come to scratch," or if a crowd riot occurred. Some fighters even used "fibbing," which involved grabbing an opponent's hair or neck to land multiple punches. As the sport evolved, specialized techniques emerged. Samuel Elias invented the uppercut, and Tom Spring popularized the left hook. Spring also created the "Harlequin Step," which is a type of boxing feint used to dodge and strike simultaneously.

To make the sport more respectable and reduce deaths, formal rules were eventually established. In 1743, Jack Broughton created the first set of rules. Under Broughton Rules, a round ended when a fighter went down. The downed man had 30 seconds to "square off" within one yard of his opponent. Later, the London Prize Ring Rules were introduced in 1838 and revised in 1853. These rules utilized a square ring, 24 feet on each side, bounded by two ropes. If a fighter fell, he went to his corner. He then had to reach a mark in the center of the ring within 8 seconds of the 30-second rest period to continue.

There were also distinct styles of fighting within these traditions. One such style was the "Irish stand down," also known as "strap fighting" or "toe-to-toe" combat. This method minimized movement and evasive maneuvering. Instead, fighters stayed in fixed positions to engage in sustained, close-range striking. Some accounts suggest fighters' non-striking hands were even bound together to enforce this constant engagement. This style was common in Irish-American working-class communities during the late 19th century. It eventually declined as more structured rules, like the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, became popular.

The history of the sport is filled with legendary figures and incredible feats of endurance. In England, James Figg became the first champion in 1719. He was a professional instructor of defense who taught the use of hands and even weapons like the sword.

One of the most remarkable records occurred on December 3, 1855, in Australia. James Kelly and Jonathan Smith fought for 6 hours and 15 minutes. Smith eventually surrendered after 17 rounds. Another fighter, Jem Mace, had a professional career lasting over 35 years. He even participated in an exhibition bout at the age of 78.

In the United States, the sport's legal status changed significantly over time. For many years, it was not legal under federal or state laws. During the 1880s, the National Police Gazette magazine acted as a sanctioning body. It organized matches and issued championship belts. One of the last major heavyweight championships under these old rules occurred on July 8, 1889. John L. Sullivan won that title against Jake Kilrain. It was not until March 20, 2018, that Wyoming became the first U.S. state to legalize professional bare-knuckle boxing.

Modern bare-knuckle boxing has seen a massive resurgence in the 21st century. Organizations like the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) operate in the U.S. and the UK.

Modern rules differ from the past; for example, BKFC uses a 10-count for knockdowns, while BKB uses an 18-second count. In the BKFC, fighters may only use punches with a closed fist. They are permitted to wrap their wrists, thumbs, and the mid-hand, but no tape can be within one inch of the knuckles. This ensures the sport remains true to its bare-knuckle roots while providing necessary support for the athletes.