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Bare-knuckle boxing (also known as bare-knuckle, prizefighting, or fisticuffs) is the original form of boxing closely related to ancient combat sports. It involves two individuals fighting without any boxing gloves or other form of padding on their hands. The difference between a streetfight and a bare-knuckle boxing match is that there are rules, such as not striking a downed opponent, that are followed unlike a "no-holds-barred" match.
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The longest bareknuckle fight on record occurred in Melbourne, Australia, on October 19, 1856. James Kelly and Jack Smith fought for 6 hours 15 minutes. [1]
Jack Dempsey's 8-to 10-in punches traveled at an estimated 135 mph. [2]
Jim Mace, the English champion, and Joe Coburn, onetime U.S. titleholder, fought a bareknuckles bout in New Orleans in 1870. The fight was billed as the fight of the century, but when the actual contest was held it went 3 hours 48 minutes and neither man struck a blow. [3]
Mace holds the record for the longest career of any professional fighter in history. He was in the ring for 35 years. [4]
Only one fighter has ever been knighted. Sir Dan Donnelly, champion of Ireland around 1815, received the singular honor. [5]
