The Top 10 Bare Knuckle Fighters of All Time

In the tough and bruiting world of bare-knuckle boxing, only a few have reached the pedestal, winning their place in battling sports history. Through brute strength or unquenchable will and aptitude, these titans of the ring have each respectively rooted their name in history as the best bare-knuckle fighters ever to exist.

In this article, we are going to look at the top 10 bare-knuckle fighters of all time, from pioneers in the early part of the 19th century who helped lay out a foundation for what is now modern combat sports to today's war horses that have shattered human boundaries and strain their ranches.

1. Jem Mace (1861-1871)

One of the most famous bare-knuckle pugilist fighters in history is Jem Mace. Mace was a champion of the late 19th century who enchanted fight crowds with his elite ability through showmanship that spanned over ten years, from about the mid-1850s to his retirement in December 1867.

Mace's unique fighting style was defined by his impeccable footwork, defensive skill, and ability to use feints and counterpunches while killing opponents. He was famous for his hit-and-run fighting style, dodging multiple punches round after round to score a victory over even the most difficult opponents.

In addition to what he accomplished inside the ring, Mace played an instrumental role in revolutionizing bare-knuckle fighting. He played a crucial role in introducing the Queensberry Rules, which stressed fighters' safety. Mace also was instrumental in developing new crowd control techniques, which reduced frequent outbreaks of violence that used to happen at bare-knuckle events.

2. Tom Sayers (1858-1860)

In the mid to late 1850s and early period of the Half-Second Decade, Tom Sayers made a name for himself fighting in England as one of the top bare-knuckle combatants ever.

Sayers could take on much larger opponents because of his clever use of boxing's craft and art as a science but also through sheer bloody-mindedness. His most famous encounter was a brutal 42-round draw with American fighter John C. Heenan. Sayers fought through injury to his arm and demonstrated otherworldly toughness and an indomitable spirit of combativeness.

3. Tom Cribb (1809-1822)

Tom Cribb is considered one of the premier bare-knuckle fighters of the 19th century, and he enjoyed an extensive reign lasting over a decade.

Cribb was known for his enormous punching power, extreme durability, and exceptional stamina. His punches were often bone-breaking and incapacitating. Notoriously, his most famous bouts were the two with American fighter Tom Molineaux, an ex-slave who was the first of that nation to compete for a world bare-knuckle title. Cribb won both, confirming his place as the best fighter of any era.

There is no debate that Cribb will forever be remembered as one of the top names in early bare-knuckle fights. His dominance, skill, and impact have forever inscribed his name into the history books of combative sports.

4. Jem Belcher (1800-1803)

Belcher's strengths were his quickness, footwork, and elusive defensive skills. He frequently wows the audience with his craftiness in the ring and, more often than not, escapes victorious after punishing multiple-round wars. His most renowned contest was against the outstanding fighter George Nicholls, in which his accurate punching and determination stand out.

5. Tom Paddock (1856-1858)

Paddock fought brutishly and packed heavy punches to overpower his opponents. He was famous for punching power and fighting style throughout all-action, 15-round phases. Paddock's biggest wins were over William "Bendigo" Thompson and William Parry, which took place on fouls.

Despite his in-ring success, Paddock's championship reign was not without controversy. He had a reputation as a dirty and occasionally unsportsmanlike fighter, which resulted in five fights being settled through fouls or disqualifications.

6. Harry Broome (1851-1856)

He was well known for his ability to overpower and out-aggressive opponents, offering very tough competition. A savage puncher, he fought wars with blood on his face. Broome's most famous win was over William "Bendigo" Thompson, who he defeated in a tough contest.

As a fighter, he was publicized as a rough and sometimes unsportsmanlike ring presence, which in some bouts led to fouls or disqualifications. However, in one of these cases, Broome gave up the bare-knuckle title as he would not give William Parry a rematch after being awarded that designation by a disputed foul.

7. William "Bendigo" Thompson (1839-1840)

Thompson was known for being extremely heavy-handed and aggressive in his fighting style, where he looked to overpower his rivals. His power made him a feared hitter, and he was able to fight for long periods. James Burke and Ben Caunt were two of the men he defeated, although both times, they either fouled him or disqualified him.

But Thompson's time as champion was controversial. He had been reputed to be a brawler with buddies who might occasionally intimidate his competition, and has even gone as far as being underhanded in obtaining an edge. Upon vanquishing James Burke, Thompson immediately retired, leaving the ex-champion and Ben Caunt both proclaiming to be world boxing champions.

8. Ben Caunt (1841-1845)

Caunt was renowned for his power, ability to absorb punishment, and toughness over long, grueling bouts in which he ganged up on opponents. He was famous for his ability to absorb punishment and bull his way through opponents with continuous forward pressure.

His most significant wins were over Nick Ward and then-reigning world champion William "Bendigo" Thompson, but on both occasions, the contests dragged out for a long time. He was disqualified for going down without being hit in his fight with Thompson after 93 rounds, a decision that sparked outrage and enforced Caunt's retirement from the sport.

9. James Burke (1833-1839)

Burke was known for his knockout power and ability to absorb punishment. Credited for his relentless aggression, Ben was always seemingly involved in brutal wars. The dramatic highlight of Burke's career was his victory over Simon Ward, whose injuries sustained in the fight would ultimately prove fatal. This tragic incident illustrates how dangerous this branch of boxing could be then.

10. Jem Ward (1825-1832)

He was known for his craftiness in the ring, often fighting through brutal multi-round wars and still coming out on top. Ward's best results were against Peter Crawley and Simon Ward, with both winning after titanic struggles.

The bare-knuckle fighting movement can only be discussed by acknowledging Ward's impact on the sport. A master of his machine, Ward's talent and foresightedness were instrumental in defining the formula that engulfed a crucial moment in our sport. As an early trailblazer in the sport, it will be hard to forget Ward as one of the greats who paved the way for modern-day bare-knuckle fighting.

The bare-knuckle fighters we have included in this article are the absolute best of the sport, and each has placed a profound footprint on its past as it grows into what we recognize today. From the early pioneers, a la Jem Belcher and Tom Cribb, to modern-day legends like Jem Mace and Tom Sayers, these ring titans stole fans' hearts and minds throughout history, causing dreams of fights that may never put our bare fists up against another.

These bare-knuckle fighters have made history through their unmatched skill, unparalleled determination, and unrelenting spirit. Their legends stand as a testament to the timeless allure and time-honored importance of bare-knuckle fighting in human history, evidence of man's spirit and drive for supremacy over physical limits.