Bare-knuckle boxing, a sport deeply rooted in the history of combat sports, has seen significant expansion and attracted growing enthusiasm in recent years.
This sport is characterized by its power and violence, as well as being controversial. It has experienced a notable resurgence lately, drawing increasing numbers of enthusiasts and athletes from around the world.
The Origins of Bare-Knuckle Boxing
The history of bare-knuckle boxing dates back several centuries, with evidence of gloveless bouts in ancient Greece and Rome. However, modern bare-knuckle boxing developed in England in the 18th century, when fights were primarily organized for entertainment and betting.
The first codified rules, known as the London Prize Ring Rules, were established in 1743 by a prominent boxer of the time.
These rules aimed to make fights less brutal and introduced concepts like rest periods between rounds and a ban on hitting a downed opponent.
Despite the spread of modern gloved boxing under the Queensberry rules, bare-knuckle boxing remained popular, especially in underground circuits.
In recent years, thanks to
Manchester
Manchester is a major city in northwest England, historically renowned as a global centre for textile manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution, which earned it the nickname “Cottonopolis.” Its rich industrial heritage is showcased in museums and converted warehouses, while today it is also celebrated as a vibrant hub for music, sport, and education.
England
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Sheffield
Sheffield is a city in South Yorkshire, England, historically renowned as a major global centre for steel production during the Industrial Revolution, earning it the nickname “The Steel City.” Its industrial heritage is complemented by its location within the Peak District National Park and a modern cultural scene focused on music, sports, and the arts.
Newcastle
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Bowlers Exhibition Centre
The Bowlers Exhibition Centre is a large event and exhibition venue located in Trafford Park, Manchester, England. It was originally constructed in the 1980s and has since become a prominent hub for trade shows, public exhibitions, and consumer events in the North West region.
Britain
Britain is a sovereign island nation in northwestern Europe with a rich history spanning millennia, including Roman settlement, the formation of the medieval kingdoms of England and Scotland, and the growth of the vast British Empire. Culturally, it is renowned for its global influence in language, literature, parliamentary democracy, and institutions like the monarchy.
UK
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Greece
Greece is a southeastern European country renowned as the cradle of Western civilization, being the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Its rich history spans ancient city-states like Athens and Sparta, the Hellenistic period following Alexander the Great, and later periods under the Roman and Byzantine Empires before gaining modern independence in the 19th century. The nation is globally celebrated for its profound historical influence, thousands of islands, and iconic archaeological sites such as the Acropolis.
Rome
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Wakefield
Wakefield is a city in West Yorkshire, England, historically significant as a major centre for the wool and cloth trade during the medieval period. It is known for the Wakefield Cathedral and the medieval Chantry Chapel on its bridge, with its history deeply tied to the Wars of the Roses following the 1460 Battle of Wakefield.
