Bareknuckle

Bareknuckle boxing refers to the sport of boxing conducted without the use of padded gloves or with minimal hand protection. Fights are fought with the fists, and rules have varied across eras and regions. The term is commonly used to describe historical bouts as well as contemporary events promoted as bare-knuckle or low-glove competitions.

Historically, bareknuckle fighting developed in Britain and the United States during the 17th to 19th centuries. Early codes such as Broughton’s Rules and later the London Prize Ring Rules sought to regulate breaks, fouls, and knockouts to reduce serious injuries. Fights could be lengthy and brutal, often lasting many rounds with few formal time limits. Boxers of the era included notable champions in the transition from earlier prize fighting to more structured competition.

The arrival of the Marquess of Queensberry Rules in the 1860s popularized the use of gloves, timed rounds, and more standardized judging, contributing to the decline of bareknuckle bouts. The last widely acknowledged bareknuckle championship is traditionally dated to the Sullivan–Kilrain bout in 1889, after which gloved boxing became the dominant form in most regions. Nonetheless, bareknuckle fights continued in various locales under different rules for several decades.

In modern times, a revival of bareknuckle boxing has emerged in some markets. The most prominent contemporary promotion is Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), founded in 2018, which promotes events under a bareknuckle or minimal-glove format with its own safety and regulatory rules. Other regional organizations also host events and advocate different rule sets. The sport remains subject to regulatory scrutiny and safety debates, with affiliations and restrictions varying by jurisdiction.