Is Bare Knuckle Boxing safer than boxing with gloves?

Bare Knuckle Boxing has been around for longer than regular boxing but was almost completely shunned by most of society as the world became more modernized. At the same time, regular boxing with gloves burst into the mainstream and gained millions of fans around the world.

As a result of this, many people still see Bare Knuckle Boxing as a bloodsport whereas their opinions are typically more liberal when it comes to standard boxing. Here we shall discuss the arguments for both sides of the story, as to whether boxing with or without gloves is more dangerous compared to the other. Like always with these debates, there’s often a lot of opinions and points from either side. The point of this article isn’t to point one against the other, but instead look at the arguments made by both teams.

Bare Knuckle Boxing is more dangerous due to the exposed finger bones

One argument is that Bare Knuckle Boxing is more dangerous compared to boxing with gloves because your knuckles and fingers are physically harder than a boxing glove. Whilst most boxing gloves are filled with foam, this foam is still very hard – but some argue that this is still less solid compared to getting hit with raw knuckles.

In some people’s minds, there’s no doubt that a glove is softer than a clenched fist. At the same time, this idea is often debated – with others arguing the foam is actually pretty hard. Until there’s been a scientific study, the jury is still out on this one and both parties make good points. On the face of it, you’d assume a knuckle is harder as it’s closer to the bone, but arguably gloves are pretty hard as well.

Regular boxing is more dangerous due to more blows

Let’s assume that boxing gloves are actually softer compared to your fists and knuckles. This means it’s safer, right? Well, it’s actually more complicated and this one is a very good point. The argument goes that if you were in a Bare Knuckle Boxing match, the likelihood is that it would be over quicker, as fists are harder and the loser would naturally feel pain quicker and quit. This is a good point but actually makes your bare knuckles safer in a way.

The point is that let’s say the bare knuckles hit at 7/10 in power, whereas a boxing glove hits at 5/10 in power. Supposedly, someone may quit a few rounds earlier if they can feel the 7/10. This differs from getting hit by a 5/10, where your body may not feel the physical effects until after the fight.

Therefore, you could actually take more damage by a flurry of lighter blows via boxing gloves over a longer time frame, compared to fewer strikes from bare knuckles which feel harder. Again, this isn’t scientifically backed up by anything and it would be interesting to see if professional bare knuckle bouts do indeed end faster. Nonetheless, it makes for an interesting argument.

Bare Knuckle Boxing cuts more and has more blood

Perhaps the reason for Bare Knuckle Boxing for having such a negative reputation is its association with blood. Whilst boxing is a tough sport and people can get injured and even die, it visually looks less scary compared to Bare Knuckle Boxing. The reason for this is down to the boxing glove and its shape. It’s very curved and smooth which means it’s designed to stop cuts from developing.

If anything, the human fist is the complete opposite to this, and knuckles are designed to cut and draw blood. If you look online, you will see bare knuckle fights ending as a bloody mess, whereas boxing is usually less messy. Of course, this doesn’t prove anything in terms of damage but it does count against Bare Knuckle Boxing. The reason for this is that you’re more likely to get scars from deep cuts. As of yet, no one has ever had a recorded death from loss of blood by boxing, so in that sense, it’s no less safe.

Regular boxing can hit a bigger surface area of the head

One issue that goes against boxing gloves is that they’re more likely to connect with a glancing blow. If you measure your fist against a fist with a boxing glove being worn, then you’ll realize that there’s a huge difference in terms of shape and size. In other words, imagine having a Bare Knuckle Boxing match and missing the head by centimeters or an inch.

During the course of a bout, this is bound to happen a few times. Now, imagine doing the same punch with a boxing glove on. This time, the chances are that you would land the punch and it could even lead to a knockout. Because of this, the argument made here is that gloves are actually more dangerous because they’re more likely to connect with a swinging haymaker.

Conclusion

Ultimately, until there’s conclusive scientific evidence done on this subject, the above arguments are no more than opinions that can be countered by opposing views. Speaking neutrally, there’s actually a lot of good talking points from either side and they both make sense in some ways. However, it’s also quite dangerous to start speaking uninformed opinions as facts as this can give people false beliefs.

What is known is that historically, people have died from both bare knuckle and regular boxing matches, so each martial art needs to be given the respect and gratitude they deserve. In short, it’s a bit like the argument used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, that being choked unconscious has no lingering effects as long as you wake up within 30 seconds. Because there have been no studies on this subject, no one really knows. But until then, the debate will rumble on.

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