Introduction to article: When one talks about bare knuckle fighting, it could be misleading and deceptive. Before boxing, bare knuckle bouts took place around the world. Here is an article explaining the history of bare knuckle boxing.
By: Michael Blackett
Record books suggest that the origins of 
or bare knuckle boxing date back to the times of the early Greeks, however in reality since the dawn of mankind bare fists was the natural and in most cases the only option as a weapon to survive against the threat of extinction. When the “Flight or Fight” reaction kicked in there was a simple choice, run or stand your ground. It’s obvious this choice enabled man to survive when the odds were stacked against him. The Techniques used in this earliest form of fighting can be seen in the roots of every martial art/ combat sport, ancient and modern.
Bare knuckle boxing flourished as a sport in the 18th and 19th century and was often financed by the Aristocracy and the rich and famous. Big gambling went hand in hand at this time and when one of its main Patrons the Duke of Cumberland suffered some huge losses he used his influence to try and outlaw the sport. With no proper rules and regulations as such and no sanctioning bodies with any clout it was doomed and so it moved underground and has been there ever since. The introduction of Boxing gloves in bouts was the final nail in the coffin for bare knuckle boxing and it moved further underground in which fighters were often mismatched and the once glorious sport fell into the hands of criminals.
However, it is now 2012 and statistics show that gloved boxing has suffered in terms of audiences in last 30 or 40 years due to MMA becoming more popular and high pay per view costs, so I feel the time is ready for the return of bare knuckle boxing to its once former glory. Rules and regulations have now been set in place and a sanctioning body has been formed to protect fighters wanting to compete in a sport which has proven safety records in comparison to other styles of fighting and sporting activities. The next 12 months will be a great year for the sport and I predict it will become mainstream once people become aware of its glorious history…..
*If anyone is interested in reading more on the origins of bare knuckle boxing, here is a link to Michael Blackett’s site- THE HISTORY OF BAREKNUCKLE BOXING
