Brutal world of British bare-knuckle boxing revealed in shocking pictures from £79-a-ticket arena fight night
THE gloves were literally off during these brutal shots showing bloodied bare-knuckle boxers going toe-to-toe in front of a baying crowd paying up to £79 a ticket.
The shocking images give a rare glimpse into a once underground sport where fearless competitors brawl until the ref steps in or one of them is knocked out.
Spectators turned out in their hundreds last night to watch several of the brutal bouts at the BEC Arena in Stretford, Manchester.
Not surprisingly, without the padding of gloves, the sport is bloodier than conventional boxing and far more dangerous for those who brave enough to between the ropes.
The no-holds-barred sport first gained popularity in Britain near the end of the 17th century but actually has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome.
However it was then pushed underground with the introduction of Queensberry Rules in 1867.
Bare-knuckle boxing has never actually been illegal in the UK but has no official regulator and is not governed by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC).
Exposed knuckles are not permitted in the UK, so fighters wrap skimpy bandages over them to provide some form of protection.
However, those behind the sport are now hoping to shake off the sport’s seedy image by moving to more mainstream venues.
And fans of the brawls – for which top fighters can earn up to £50k a bout - insist it’s legal provided permission is given by the local authority and safety measures are in place.
But the BBBC, which regulates all licensed boxing, believes it’s a still a very grey area.
The board’s general secretary, Rob Smith, has said: “It is a cloudy area, but I do believe it is illegal.
“It is crazy, there is an inherent risk in licensed boxing and we work very hard to ensure it is as safe as possible.”
MOST READ IN NEWS
The main event last night was the British Heavyweight title fight which saw Lee McGarry defeat title holder Gareth ‘Grumpy’ Walker.
Fans of the underground sport paid up to £79 for ringside seats, with the titles decided in rounds of five minutes each.
Those not fighting for a belt had just three minutes to launch a devastating knockout blow.
