bare-knuckle boxing

Bare-knuckle boxing refers to a form of fighting without gloves, where participants used their bare fists. This style of boxing was prevalent before the introduction of modern rules and gloves. Early matches, recorded as early as 1681 in London, often lacked formal rules, weight divisions, and rounds, with bouts continuing until one fighter could no longer continue. Wrestling and hitting an opponent while down were common practices.1

Jack Broughton is credited with establishing the first set of boxing rules in 1743, aiming to make the sport more respectable and reduce injuries. These rules, though later replaced by the London Prize Ring rules in 1838, prohibited certain holds and hitting a downed opponent. The term "bare-knuckle" can also describe something with a fierce, unrelenting character.123