History of Bare-knuckle boxing in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 21, 2024

Bare-knuckle boxing, a full-contact combat sport fought without hand padding, originated in 17th-century England. Unlike street fighting, it adheres to a defined set of rules, distinguishing it as a regulated sport.

1909: Jem Mace's Last Exhibition Bout

In 1909, bare-knuckle boxer Jem Mace, at the age of 78, participated in his final exhibition bout, marking the end of a career spanning over three and a half decades.

June 2015: Bare-Knuckle Boxing Returns to the UK

After being absent for over a century, bare-knuckle boxing made a legal return to the UK in June 2015 with an event in Kettering promoted by UBBAD. A legal requirement for the event was the wearing of hand wraps by fighters.

March 20, 2018: Wyoming Legalizes Bare-Knuckle Boxing

On March 20, 2018, Wyoming became the first U.S. state to legalize professional bare-knuckle boxing, ending a period where the sport was not officially sanctioned under any state or federal law.

October 2021: BKFC Thailand Established

In October 2021, BKFC Thailand (later BKFC Asia) was established, becoming the first organization to receive full sanctioning and licensing for bare-knuckle boxing in Thailand and Asia.

December 18, 2021: BKFC Thailand 1: The Game Changer

BKFC Thailand, later renamed BKFC Asia, held its first event, "BKFC Thailand 1: The Game Changer", on December 18, 2021, in Pattaya.

February 2022: UK's First Legal Female Bare-Knuckle Fight

Mathilda Wilson from Sweden defeated Taylor Reeves from England in the UK's first sanctioned female bare-knuckle boxing match in Wolverhampton on February 26, 2022, marking a milestone in the sport's history.

September 2022: BKFC Acquires BFBA to Form BKFC UK

In September 2022, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship expanded its reach into the UK by acquiring the Bare Fist Boxing Association, creating Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship UK and paving the way for regular events in the UK.