Bare-knuckle boxing: Is the sport irresponsible or misunderstood?

Bare-knuckle boxing bills itself as the “fastest-growing combat sport” having emerged from the shadows to host regulated and legal events in parts of the United States and many places across the world, with the first BKFC event in Britain at London’s Wembley Arena in 2022.

It was only in 2018 that the first sanctioned fight for 130 years took place in the US state of Wyoming.

BKFC events in Britain, such as the one in Derby on Saturday, come under the remit of International Sport Karate and Kickboxing Association (ISKA) – a global body that regulates much of the mixed martial arts (MMA) events in Europe.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC), which oversees the gloved form of the sport, is not involved.

Luke Griggs, chief executive of Headway, says the brain injury association he represents calls for all forms of boxing to be outlawed, but added that legitimising and promoting bare-knuckle fights is “irresponsible” and of “particular concern”.

“Headway has always been clear on its position on all forms of boxing – we think the risks are too great. It’s too obvious and all forms of boxing should be banned,” Griggs told BBC East Midlands Today.

“And it’s particularly concerning that bare-knuckle boxing is coming to the fore and increasing in popularity. It’s hugely dangerous and we do not believe this sort of event should be sanctioned.

“Irresponsible is a very good word. There are lots of questions that need to be asked about these fights being sanctioned, these fights being allowed to go on, to be promoted.”

Bakewell is BKFC’s figurehead in Britain and says his aim as a promoter – and the desire of those involved in the sanctioned strand of bare-knuckle fighting – want the sport to be seen at the “top end of pro combat sports”.

And he adds that events are “run accordingly” with the safety of its athletes paramount – with each fighter undergoing pre and post-fight health checks, while three doctors, two paramedics, two crewed ambulances are on-site for fight nights.

“We don’t cut any corners in terms of production or the medical care,” Bakewell said.

“We expect a lot from the fighters, but we also want to look after the fighters.”