Brutal underground world of British bare-knuckle boxing revealed in shocking pictures
The shocking snaps expose the murky underworld of bare-knuckle boxing, where competitors fight each without gloves until the ref steps in - or they're knocked out
Josh Salisbury
THESE dramatic photos lift the lid on the brutal underground world of British bare-knuckle boxing.
The images give a rare insight into the sport, where competitors box without gloves until the ref steps in - or one of them is knocked out.
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The underground sport is more bloody and dangerous than licensed boxingCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Bare-knuckle boxer Paul Stredder, 35, is left covered in blood during a boutCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Medical staff check in on a slumped boxer - who has to decide whether he wants to carry onCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Photographer Jack Taylor snapped competitors in Manchester with Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing, which is hoping to shed the sport’s murky image.
The Warrington-based promotions company says it operates to “stringent guidelines” and that it cares for fighters and fans.
It adds on its Facebook page: “We have a moral obligation not only to give value for money but in ensuring the safety of the men willing to spill their blood for a night of glory.”
An Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing contest consists of three, two-minute rounds ending with a knockout or until the ref steps in.
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Boxer Dom Clark, 35, celebrates his win over two-time bare-knuckle champion, Luke AtkinCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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A fan in the audience shouts while watching a boutCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Chris Wheeldon, 36, poses with the tools of his trade after a training sessionCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Without gloves, the brutal sport leaves fighters covered in their own bloodCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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A medical attends to the bloodied two-time world champion of bare-knuckle boxing, Luke AtkinsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Like many mainstream sports, bare-knuckle boxing organisers also employ ring girlsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Ring girls signal the second of the two minute bouts which bare-knuckle boxers must spar for to winCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Without gloves, the sport is far bloodier than conventional boxing – and more dangerous for fighters.
But enthusiasts are hoping to shake off the sport’s brawler image by moving to established, mainstream venues.
Fans of the sport – 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 British Boxing Board of Control, which regulates licensed boxing, believes it’s a grey area.
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Fans point out that medics are on hand to attend to the injured competitorsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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A fighter is left bruised and covered in blood after a brutal bout in the ringCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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A boxer is sprayed with mist inbetween bouts - which go on until one person is knocked out, or the ref steps inCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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A trainer greets a fighter after his punishing boutCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Enthusiasts of bare-knuckle boxing say it is legal with local authority permission and the right safety measuresCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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A fan who's come to see the sport roars with approval as boxers sparCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Bur the licensing body of the gloved sport says it's a grey areaCredit: Getty Images - Getty
The board’s general secretary, Rob Smith, told the Mirror two years ago: “It is a cloudy area, but I do believe it is illegal.
“Police deal with it as a public order matter and stop it.
“It is crazy, there is an inherent risk in licensed boxing and we work very hard to ensure it is as safe as possible.”
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The sport requires intense training to be able to stand a chance of winning a bare-knuckle fightCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Boxer Chris Wheeldon takes a breather after a gruelling training session ahead of the big gameCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Promoters hope that they can shed bare-knuckle boxing's brawler image by moving events to mainstream venuesCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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The Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester is just one of the venues where the sport has taken placeCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Luke Atkins is helped by his partner after losing his bare-knuckle championship title at the Bowlers Exhibition CentreCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Boxing without gloves was driven underground following the introduction of the Queensberry Rules in 1867 - the basis of mainstream boxingCredit: Getty Images - Getty
The no-holds-barred sport gained popularity in Britain near the end of the 17th century.
However it was pushed underground with the introduction of the so-called Queensberry rules in 1867.
The code provided the basis for modern boxing and mandates that fighters have to wear gloves.
Fighters KO each other in bare-knuckle boxing bout
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