Bare Knuckle Boxing, Fighters, Betting Odds And History
If you are a fan of boxing, Mixed Martial Arts or Street fighting then you may have heard about bare knuckle fighting. But did you know that the origins of boxing lie in bare knuckle fights? The old combat sport has made waves recently as several states in the United States have sanctioned bare knuckle fight clubs that hold these events. The first event was held after a span of over 100 years in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured professional boxers and former UFC and Bellator fighters. Needless to say, the fight was a huge hit and paved the way for future fights and betting in a bare knuckle fight.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Betting
BKFC is the modern interpretation of bare-knuckle boxing, practice in the USA. Bettors can now find the best odds for bare knuckle boxing by reviewing trustworthy bookmakers and sites that offer competitive rates. Of course, you will need a decent understanding of BKFC rules, the fighters’ strengths and background.
Did you know that betting is as old as the sport? In 19th century England, bare knuckle fighting bouts drew huge crowds and betting was prolific. The bare knuckle boxing champions have you heard of these famous Bare Knuckle Boxing Champions of the 19th Century? Here’s a list of some of the most famous fighters of that era.
Jem Belcher (1800 – 1803)
James ‘Jem’ Belcher was one of the most talented English prize-fighters who was an all-England champion from 1800-1805. He was also the grandson of the infamous Jack Slack. Unfortunately, he had to take an early retirement after losing his eyesight in one eye playing racket.
Tom Cribb (1809 – 1822)
Widely considered as one of the greatest fighters of his time, Cribb held this title for a number of years before he retired to become a coal merchant and then a pub owner. Two of his most famous fights remain most memorable because they were against a former slave and powerful fighter - Tom Molineaux. Cribb defeated Molineaux on both occasions.
James “Deaf” Burke (1809-1845)
Burke was one of England’s earliest boxing champions who was also hearing impaired, hence the nickname. He was renowned for his devastating punch and one of his opponents Simon Byrne died three days after a particularly brutal bare knuckle fight. So powerful was his reputation that most fighters declined to fight him.
William Thompson (1839-1840)
Thompson, famously known as Bendigo was in fact a gangster. Bendigo’s friend would often intimidate his opponents. He defeated James Burke and retired to leave the championship title to Burke and Ben Caunt.
Ben Caunt(1815-1861)
Ben Caunt was a heavyweight boxing champion known as the “Tokard Giant” or “Big Ben”. He claimed the Heavyweight Champion of England title in 35 rounds defeating Nick Ward at Long Marston. Caunt also sailed to America to challenge Tom Hyer to a world championship. However, Hyer never responded and Caunt returned to England empty-handed.
William Thompson (1845 – 1850)
Thompson held the title again after coming out of retirement. However, there was only one fight where he would need to defend it. This was against Tom Paddock but Paddock was disqualified for hitting Thompson while he was down. After the second retirement, he became an evangelist preacher.
William Perry (1850 – 1851)
Perry was from the town Tipton and was also called the Tipton Slasher. He was the British heavyweight prizefighter and claimed the championship twice owing to some dispute.
At first, Perry won the vacant title by beating Tom Paddock and then lost it a year later to Harry Broome. Both of the decisions were made on a foul.
Harry Broom (1851 – 1856)
Broom was forced to forfeit his bare knuckle boxing title because he refused to go for a rematch with William Perry. He had beaten Perry earlier on a foul.
Tom Sayers (1858 – 1860)
The strange thing about Tom Sayers’ victory is that he was much shorter and lighter in weight then the champions he defeated. He was only 5 feet and eight inches tall and weighed around 150 pounds. During his career he only lost one of sixteen bouts. He was declared the champion after he defeated William Perry.
Tom Sayers is highly regarded as a national hero. After his death, a huge crowd watched his cortege on its journey to the cemetery.
While in many countries the legality of bare-knuckle boxing is in question, the sport enjoys immense popularity across the UK and USA. Bare knuckle boxing is here to stay, albeit in a reinvented avatar.
