.png)
The Safety Advantages of Bare Knuckle Boxing over Glove Boxing
I Combat sports have evolved over time, with various disciplines and rule sets emerging to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. In recent years, bare knuckle boxing has gained attention as an alternative to traditional glove boxing.
Contrary to popular belief, bare knuckle boxing offers several safety advantages over its gloved counterpart. This ancient practice, while rooted in history, has re-emerged as a modern, fast-growing combat sport. Bare-knuckle boxing is described as a sport that is simultaneously humane and brutal, appealing to fans with its dramatic and visceral nature.
The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), established on June 2, 2018, is the first legal and sanctioned bare-knuckle fight company in history, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s development.
The growth of bare-knuckle boxing, including its increased popularity in various territories, hints at its acceptance in mainstream sports culture. Both bare-knuckle boxing and traditional boxing present unique injury risks, but the nature and frequency of these injuries differ. This essay aims to explore the reasons why bare knuckle boxing can be considered a safer option compared to glove boxing and regular boxing.
1. Reduced Impact Trauma: One of the primary arguments in favor of bare knuckle boxing is that it reduces the potential for long-term brain injuries. The use of gloves in conventional boxing increases the force of impact, allowing fighters to throw harder punches without injuring their hands.
However, this also means that the recipient absorbs a greater amount of force, which can lead to more severe head trauma. The argument has been made that the padding from gloves increases the momentum of punches, thereby potentially increasing brain injury risks.
Research suggests that brain injuries, such as concussions, are less prevalent in bare-knuckle boxing than in gloved boxing. Bare knuckle boxing, on the other hand, encourages fighters to throw fewer power punches, reducing the likelihood of debilitating concussions and other serious head injuries.
The use of gloves in boxing allows fighters to throw harder punches, which increases the risk of severe head trauma for the recipient. The introduction of gloves in boxing in 1867 was intended to reduce injuries by distributing the impact of punches.
2. Increased Hand and Wrist Safety: Gloves provide a false sense of security by cushioning the hands and wrists, which can lead to more reckless punching techniques. This can result in boxers throwing punches with improper form, increasing the risk of hand and wrist injuries such as fractures and sprains.
In bare knuckle boxing, fighters are more inclined to utilize correct punching techniques, as the risk of injury to their hands is higher. Consequently, this promotes better hand and wrist safety overall. Recent data suggests that fewer than 3% of bare-knuckle fighters experience concussions, compared to up to 12% in gloved boxing.
The frequency of facial lacerations is higher in bare-knuckle boxing than in traditional boxing, but this does not translate to higher rates of long-term brain damage. Lacerations are more common in bare-knuckle boxing while serious brain injuries are less frequent compared to gloved boxing. The Queensbury Rules mandated the use of gloves to protect fighters from specific injuries, primarily to the face.
3. Enhanced Defensive Skills: Bare knuckle boxing encourages fighters to focus on defense due to the increased vulnerability of their hands. Without the padding of gloves, boxers are more likely to prioritize blocking, evading, and using head movement to avoid punches.
As a result, bare knuckle boxers develop superior defensive skills, which can lead to a decrease in the number of overall punches landed during a match. Fighters in bare-knuckle boxing are not allowed to wrap their hands beyond one inch from the knuckle, exposing their hands for offense.
This decrease in strikes can contribute to a reduced risk of head injuries and other associated health concerns. Data collected by BKFC indicates that bare-knuckle boxing has less major injuries than traditional boxing and MMA.
BKFC fights tend to be shorter in duration, which may contribute to reduced concussion rates. The BKFC’s distinct fighting style, along with its visceral appeal, attracts a substantial fan base despite initial hesitations.
4. Shorter Fights: Bare knuckle boxing bouts are often shorter in duration compared to glove boxing matches. The intensified impact of bare knuckle strikes prompts fighters to stay more cautious and controlled. As a result, the frequency of hard-hitting exchanges decreases, preventing prolonged exposure to high-risk situations.
This shorter fight duration helps to minimize the accumulation of damage and reduces the likelihood of severe injuries caused by fatigue or extended periods of sustained punishment. Contemporary boxing matches have reduced the maximum permitted rounds from 20 to 12, decreasing potential exposure to head trauma.
Historical boxing matches often lasted longer, resulting in increased opportunities for head trauma compared to modern regulations. Bare-knuckle boxing typically has shorter fight durations than gloved boxing, which may contribute to a lower incidence of concussions. The BKFC consists of five rounds that last two minutes each, contrasting with gloved boxing’s longer fight duration.
5. Improved Regulation and Medical attention due to the cuts and injuries that can be sustained in combat. After every fight there is a mandatory rest period to heal un like in other combat sports where if they dont know you were cut and dont look bad they allow you to fight.
Bare-knuckle boxing is becoming widely popular and has led to the emergence of around 40 to 50 bare-knuckle organizations around the world. Feldman, president of BKFC, states that the sport is becoming mainstream and aims to achieve the same level of popularity as boxing and MMA.
Feldman states that bare-knuckle boxing might be perceived as brutal, but he insists it is not barbaric. The BKFC has successfully attracted attention from combat sport fans, including notable figures from other combat sports like Conor McGregor, who is part-owner of BKFC. More than 40 to 50 bare-knuckle organizations have emerged since the BKFC was founded in 2018.
1. Reduced Risk of Injury
Bare-knuckle boxing has been touted as a safer alternative to traditional boxing, with a reduced risk of injury to the brain and hands. The absence of boxing gloves means that fighters are less likely to throw harder punches, which can lead to debilitating concussions and other serious head injuries.
In fact, a study by the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) found that bare-knuckle fights have fewer major injuries and less head trauma compared to traditional boxing and MMA. Additionally, the shorter fight duration and condensed rounds in bare-knuckle boxing minimize the accumulation of damage and reduce the likelihood of severe injuries caused by fatigue or extended periods of sustained punishment.
2. Improved Hand Safety in Bare Knuckle Fights
Bare-knuckle boxing promotes better hand and wrist safety by encouraging fighters to use correct punching techniques. Without the protection of boxing gloves, fighters are more likely to throw precise and controlled punches, reducing the risk of injury to their hands.
In fact, a study by the University at Waterloo found that lighter gloves had a higher peak force, but a shorter overall impact duration, while heavier gloves had a lower peak force and a longer impact duration.
This suggests that the absence of gloves in bare-knuckle boxing may actually reduce the risk of hand injuries. Furthermore, the use of cloth wraps around the wrists and thumbs in bare-knuckle boxing provides additional support and protection for the hands.
3. Enhanced Fighter Safety through Technique
Bare-knuckle boxing encourages fighters to focus on defense due to the increased vulnerability of their hands. This leads to superior defensive skills and a decrease in the number of overall punches landed during a match.
In fact, a study by the BKFC found that bare-knuckle fights have fewer head shots and less head trauma compared to traditional boxing and MMA.
Additionally, the emphasis on technique in bare-knuckle boxing promotes a more strategic and controlled approach to fighting, reducing the risk of injury to both fighters. By prioritizing technique over brute force, bare-knuckle boxing provides a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional boxing.
4. Regulatory Framework
The regulatory framework for bare-knuckle boxing is still evolving, but organizations like the BKFC are working to establish clear guidelines and safety protocols for the sport.
The BKFC has implemented mandatory rest periods to heal after every fight, and has a staff plastic surgeon to stitch up fighters’ lacerations before they leave the event.
Additionally, the organization has compiled data on over 400 fighters who have competed in the sport, which shows that bare-knuckle fighting has fewer major injuries and less head trauma compared to traditional boxing and MMA.
As the sport continues to grow, it is likely that regulatory bodies will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of fighters.
The Comprehensive Safety Benefits of Bare Knuckle Boxing
In conclusion, bare-knuckle boxing offers a range of safety benefits compared to traditional boxing and other combat sports. The reduced risk of injury to the brain and hands, improved hand safety, enhanced fighter safety through technique, and regulatory framework all contribute to a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional boxing.
While there are still risks associated with any combat sport, the data suggests that bare-knuckle boxing is a safer option for fighters. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that we will see even more innovations and improvements in safety protocols.