Is Bare Knuckle Fighting Legal? Exploring the Legality of Bare Knuckle Boxing in the United States

By Ali Hammad December 09, 2023 06:40

Bare-knuckle boxing, a full-contact combat sport where fighters punch without any padding on their hands, has a long and storied history. Originating in 17th-century England, the sport transitioned to using boxing gloves in the late 19th century. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in bare-knuckle boxing, with English and American promoters organizing events and competitions. This raises the question: is bare-knuckle fighting legal in the United States? Let's delve into the history and current status of bare-knuckle boxing in the US.

Historical Background

Bare-knuckle boxing has a rich history that dates back centuries. The first bare-knuckle champion of England was James Figg in 1719. The sport followed accepted rules and various regulations were implemented throughout its history to reduce injuries and fatalities. The Broughton Rules and the London Prize Ring Rules were among the most notable sets of rules adopted.

Transition to Gloved Boxing

As the sport evolved, the use of gloves became more prevalent. In the late 19th century, bare-knuckle boxing transitioned to gloved boxing, which offered more protection to the fighters. The last major world heavyweight championship held under bare-knuckle rules occurred in 1889. Since then, gloved boxing has dominated the combat sports landscape.

Legalization of Bare Knuckle Boxing in the United States

For many years, professional bare-knuckle boxing was not legal in the United States. It was considered a brutal and dangerous activity, leading to its prohibition under federal and state laws. However, on March 20, 2018, Wyoming became the first state to legalize professional bare-knuckle boxing. This landmark decision opened the doors for the sport to emerge from the shadows and gain mainstream recognition.

Wyoming's First Bare-Knuckle Boxing Event

Following the legalization, Wyoming hosted the first legal, sanctioned, and state-regulated bare-knuckle boxing event in US history. The event took place at the Ice and Events Center and featured ten highly anticipated fights. It generated significant buzz on social media and attracted both supporters and opponents of the sport. Despite some controversy and threats directed towards the fight promoter, the event was successful and demonstrated the potential for bare-knuckle boxing to become a mainstream combat sport.

Implications for the Future

Wyoming's decision to legalize bare-knuckle boxing has sparked interest from other states. Several states have expressed their willingness to sanction similar events, indicating a potential shift in public perception and acceptance of the sport. This newfound interest and willingness to regulate bare-knuckle boxing could pave the way for its continued growth and development in the United States.

Bare-knuckle fighting has a long and storied history, originating in 17th-century England and transitioning to gloved boxing in the late 19th century. For many years, professional bare-knuckle boxing was illegal in the United States, until Wyoming became the first state to legalize it in 2018. The state hosted the first legal, sanctioned, and state-regulated bare-knuckle boxing event in US history, which garnered significant attention and showcased the potential of the sport to become mainstream. With other states expressing interest in sanctioning similar events, the future of bare-knuckle boxing in the United States looks promising.