Bare-knuckle boxing was the original form of boxing. It was fought by two individuals without boxing gloves under London Prize Ring Rules. The last sanctioned fight took place in 1889. One of the traditional types of bare-knuckle boxing was known as the ‘Irish Stand Down’. Today bare-knuckle boxing is illegal in several countries but it is still practiced on a small scale.
The last heavyweight bare-knuckle title fight was held in 1889 between John L Sullivan and Jake Kilrain. Both fighters were Irish American. The fight, which was staged in Richburg, Mississippi lasted 75 rounds. Sullivan emerged as the victor. Both boxers continued their careers under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules
The last official bare-knuckle heavyweight title fight took place in the year 1889 On This Day.
John L. Sullivan and Jake Kilrain prize fight