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 Bare-knuckle boxer John Lawrence Sullivan |
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| Also known as | Fisticuffs, Prizefighting |
|---|---|
| Focus | Striking |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Creator | Unknown |
| Parenthood | Ancient Greek boxing, Street fighting |
Bare-knuckle boxing (also known as bare-knuckle, prizefighting, or fisticuffs) is the original form of boxing closely related to ancient combat sports. It involves two individuals fighting without any boxing gloves or other form of padding on their hands. The difference between a streetfight and a bare-knuckle boxing match is the following of rules, such as not striking a downed opponent, unlike a "no-holds-barred" match.
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History
The first bare-knuckle champion of England was James Figg, who claimed the title in 1719 and held it until his retirement in 1730.[1] Other noted champions were Jack Broughton, Gentleman Jose Alonso (Noted for his defeat of Jem Mace on April 6, 1871) Daniel Mendoza, Jem Belcher, Hen Pearce, John Gully, Tom Cribb, Tom Spring, Jem Ward, James Burke, William 'Bendigo' Thompson, Ben Caunt, Tom Sayers and Jem Mace.[1]
The record for the longest bareknuckle fight is listed as 6 hours and 15 minutes for a match between James Kelly and Jack Smith in Melbourne, Australia on October 19, 1856.[2]
The bare-knuckle fighter Jem Mace is listed as having the longest professional career of any fighter in history.[2]. He fought for more than 35 years into his 60s,[3] and recorded his last exhibition bout in 1909 at the age of 78.
Notable bare-knuckle boxers
- Jem Belcher
- Simon Byrne
- Josh Cooper
- Ben Caunt
- Gentleman Jim Corbett
- Tom Cribb
- Patrick Doherty
- James Figg
- Jem Mace
- Lenny McLean (often referred to as "Britain's hardest man")
- Micheal Gordon Petersen, better known as Charles Bronson (described as "Britain's worst prison inmate")
- Johnny Coyle
- Edward Tancl
- Daniel Mendoza
- Tom Molineaux
- John "Old Smoke" Morrissey (Defeated Sullivan for Title)
- Mickey O'Neil
- Tom Sayers
- Roy Shaw
- Jem Smith
- John L. Sullivan (first heavyweight champion)
- William 'Bendigo' Thompson
- Bartley Gorman
- Carlos Sanchez (4x Champion)
- John Jackson bare knuckle boxing champ beat Mendoza
- Jem Ward
- William Perry "The Tipton Slasher"
- Gentleman Jose Alonso "The Easton Assassin"
Travelling community
Bare-knuckle boxing is very popular within Ireland's Travelling community. Fights draw huge crowds, and fighters may train for months for a single fight. This is most common in Westmeath, Offaly and Longford, however there is a strong police presence that will try to stop any fighting.
See also
References
- ^ a b The Bare Knuckle Champions of England. Retrieved on 17 April 2009.
- ^ a b Bare Knuckle Records
- ^ James B. Roberts, Alexander G. Skutt, The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall of Fame Official Record Book
- The Outsiders - Exposing the Secretive World of Ireland's Travellers Chapters 4 and 5 (ISBN 978-1-903582-67-1)by Eamon Dillon, published Nov 2006 by Merlin Publishing
External links
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