Origins in the 17th and 18th Centuries
The earliest recorded bare-knuckle bouts in Britain date to the late 1600s, but the sport began to gain serious attention in the 18th century. These early fights were often informal and chaotic, with few rules and no standardization. Combatants fought until one man could no longer continue, sometimes for hours. Bets were placed, crowds gathered, and reputations were made or destroyed in a single afternoon.
James Figg, widely considered the first bare-knuckle boxing champion of England, helped formalize the sport in the early 1700s. A formidable fighter with a background in fencing and cudgel fighting, Figg established a training academy and popularized the notion of boxing as both a profession and a spectacle.
The Bare-Knuckle Boom and the London Prize Ring Rules
By the early 19th century, bare-knuckle boxing had become wildly popular in Britain. The fights were brutal, but they attracted large crowds from all social classes, including royalty. In 1838, the London Prize Ring Rules were introduced to further regulate the sport. These included provisions for a roped-off ring, restrictions on certain types of fouls, and the appointment of referees. Still, fights remained dangerous and bloody affairs, with fighters enduring dozens of rounds in a single match.
Revival in the 21st Century
In a surprising twist, bare-knuckle boxing has seen a resurgence in the UK in recent years. Andy Topliff was the first promoter to have rebranded it as a legitimate combat sport, holding licensed events under controlled conditions. He introduced more rules and it became more regulated, with medical oversight and safety measures in place. His promotion B-Bad produced bare knuckle stars such as Dave Radford, James McCrory and James Sweeney to name a few.
Conclusion
The history of bare-knuckle boxing in the UK is a story of grit, glory, and controversy. From its chaotic origins in smoky taverns to its regulated return in modern arenas, it remains a potent symbol of raw human competition.
For those interested in a deeper look at this brutal yet fascinating sport, Newmount Films has produced a compelling documentary that traces the full history of bare-knuckle boxing in the UK. Through rare footage, exclusive interviews, and dramatic re-enactments, it offers a vivid portrait of the fighters, the culture, and the evolution of one of Britain’s oldest combat sports, with Dave Radford’s epic life story at the forefront.
