Bare-knuckle boxing is the new craze in the combat sports world. Regardless of whether you see it as a brutal, primal spectacle that belongs in the stone age or an exciting sport with a raw and primal feel, it’s clear that bare-knuckle boxing has struck a chord with people. With this growing interest, many people are asking: Is Bare Knuckle Boxing Legal? The answer to this question isn’t straightforward because different states have varying laws relating to boxing and other combat sports. In this article, we explore whether bare-knuckle boxing is legal in your state and what the legal implications of this dangerous hybrid sport might be.
Is Bare Knuckle Boxing Legal?
Yes, bare-knuckle boxing is legal in the United States. The sport was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but it fell out of favor when boxing with gloves became the norm. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in bare-knuckle boxing, and a number of organizations have sprung up to promote the sport.
What Is Bare Knuckle Boxing?
- Bare Knuckle Boxing is a form of combat sport that uses fists, feet, and elbows.
- The goal of this sport is to knock your opponent out.
- The rules of bare-knuckle boxing are very basic: You fight with bare hands and feet on the ground or on a mat.
- It’s illegal to use any protective gear in the ring, including gloves, headgear, mouthguard, or groin protectors.
- If you have any doubt about the legality of bare-knuckle fighting in your state, contact your state athletic commission for clarification.
Is Bare-Knuckle Boxing Legal In The USA?
1. Legal in Some States, Illegal in Others
From the information above, it seems that bare-knuckle boxing is legal in some states and illegal in others. It’s important to note that there are a few states where bare-knuckle boxing is not only legal but also sanctioned by the state. These states include New York (bare-knuckle boxing is legal), Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. On the other hand, there are other states where bare-knuckle boxing is illegal, including Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
2. Bare Knuckle Boxing Is Illegal by Federal Law
Bare-knuckle fighting is illegal under federal law because of its inherent danger. Federal law prohibits any activity that involves “a substantial risk of serious bodily injury” or “is likely to result in serious bodily injury” which includes any activity that involves striking someone with an open hand or fist except for certain traditional sports such as professional baseball or hockey. The penalty for violating this federal law can be up to a year in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000. In addition to being illegal under federal law, bare-knuckle fighting can also be considered a form of a street crime if you participate while committing another crime such as robbery or assault with a deadly weapon (assault).
3. Is Bare Knuckle Boxing Legal in Your State
In order to determine whether bare-knuckle boxing is legal in your state, you must first consult your local laws regarding sporting contests and then consult with your local boxing commission. If your state allows bare-knuckle boxing, then you should be able to participate in bare-knuckle boxing in that state.
4. State Boxing Commissions
Each state has a governing body that is responsible for the regulation of boxing and other combat sports in that state. These governing bodies are known as the boxing commissions. Because of the high risk involved with bare-knuckle fighting, many states have banned the sport altogether by designating it illegal under their laws. However, most states only ban bare-knuckle fighting if it involves two or more participants. As mentioned above, some states such as New York allow bare-knuckle fighting so long as no one is injured during the match and no one is paid more than $2 for participating in a fight. It’s important to note that even though your state may not ban bare-knuckle fighting outright, this does not mean you can participate in this dangerous sport without facing legal consequences when you get caught doing so.
5. What Are State Boxing Regulations
Even though your state may not have banned bare-knuckle fighting outright, many of these states have strict regulations regarding its use including minimum age requirements and weight restrictions for participants (Alabama). Some states also require contestants to wear protective headgear when participating in fights (California) while others set limits on how much weight an individual can carry before they are disqualified (New Jersey).
Some Important Things To Know About Bare Knuckle Boxing
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The Basics
Bare-knuckle boxing is the most popular form of bare-knuckle fighting. It’s also known as “English” or “Eskrima” boxing and is a style of fighting that uses fists, feet, elbows, and knees to deliver punches, kicks, and elbow jabs. The term “bare-knuckle” refers to the absence of head protection in this style of fighting. The origins of bare-knuckle fighting are unclear but it was definitely practiced in England before the 1800s.
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Legal Status
There are two forms of bare-knuckle boxing: traditional and modern. Traditional bare-knuckle boxing is illegal in all states except for Maine, Mississippi, Montana, and Vermont because it involves a contest between two individuals who both have at least one broken bone in their hand (excluding the thumb). In other words, traditional bare-knuckle boxing involves a fight between two participants who are both injured fighters. Traditional bare-knuckle boxing also depends on verbal consent from each participant before entering into a fight (similar to MMA rules). If someone enters into a traditional bare-knuckle boxing match without permission or if they enter into an unsanctioned fight while they have an injury or fracture, they may be subject to legal consequences under criminal law.
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Legal Implications
Bare Knuckle Boxing is Illegal. Legal experts disagree on whether bare-knuckle boxing is legal or not. The American Bar Association (ABA) considers bare-knuckle boxing to be a form of “rough-and-tumble” fighting, which is also a prohibited activity under the ABA’s code of ethics. Some states have their own laws regarding fights that involve participants with broken bones in their hands, but some states do not. For example, Michigan has a law that prohibits anyone from participating in bare-knuckle fighting if they have suffered an injury to the hand or wrist within the last six months and if their hand is swollen or deformed. If a person enters into a fight without receiving permission from an official, they may be subject to legal consequences under criminal law.
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Legal Consequences
Under criminal law, participants who enter into traditional bare-knuckle boxing without permission or if they enter into an unsanctioned fight while they have an injury or fracture will be subject to legal consequences under state law. In addition, participants who are injured during traditional bare-knuckle boxing may also be able to file civil lawsuits against one another for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED). If you are currently involved in any type of bare-knuckle boxing activity and you have suffered any sort of injury because of it, contact our office right away for a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys today!
The Problem With Bare Knucker Boxing Being Legal Only In The Certain States
1. Bare Knuckle Boxing Is Illegal in All States
Bare-knuckle boxing is illegal in all states, regardless of whether it is legal in your state. In fact, the bare-knuckle fight is illegal in every single state. The law has always prohibited bare-knuckle fighting and many states have statutes that reflect this. For example, under New York’s penal code section 140.20(1) it is unlawful to “fight with fists.” Section 110 of the New York Penal Code makes it a Class A misdemeanor to “engage in a bare-knuckle fight or prizefight or to engage in an exhibition of boxing or wrestling for money or any other thing of value.”
2. Some States Are Starting to Accept Bare Knuckle Fights
Bare-knuckle fighting may be illegal but there are some exceptions where the rules are different and fights can be held legally: New Jersey and Pennsylvania allow bare-knuckle fights between members of different clubs so long as both participants are properly trained (New Jersey) and registered with their respective state athletic commissions (Pennsylvania). The Georgia Amateur Boxing Commission also allows amateur bare-knuckles bouts so long as they are sanctioned by the commission (Georgia Administrative Code 7-10-5).
3. In Arizona, Bare Knuckling Is Legal Under Certain Conditions
Under Arizona law, one can legally bare his/her fist without fear of prosecution if he/she does not use his/her fist to cause injury to another person. The Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-1209(B) makes it clear that it is legal for a person to bare his/her fist if he/she does not injure someone else.
4. There are Legal Bare Knuckle Fights in Some States
In a few states, bare-knuckle fighting is illegal but there are still legal bare-knuckle fights where the rules of the fight have been changed to make them safer for the fighters involved: California allows bare-knuckle boxing with gloves (California Penal Code section 647(b)). Similarly, Florida law allows bare-knuckle fighting between members of different clubs so long as both participants are properly trained and registered with their respective state athletic commissions (Florida Administrative Code Rule 2.10).
Final Words
Bare-knuckle boxing is a dangerous hybrid sport that has gained popularity thanks to the interest surrounding the Eubank fight. The fact that this sport is legal in only a few states has led to a dangerous black market for the sport, which could end up being regulated out of existence unless state governments decide to legalize this dangerous sport.
