Bare-knuckle boxing—just the name alone sparks images of blood, grit, and raw fighting spirit. It’s a sport steeped in tradition, but also one that’s often misunderstood. The most common question people ask is: “How safe is BKB?”
The short answer? It’s safer than you think—but it’s not for the faint of heart.
No one knows that better than Dave Radford and James McCrory, two legends of the sport who took part in one of the most brutal, unforgettable bare-knuckle fights in modern history. Their clash wasn’t just a war—it became a defining moment in BKB’s modern era, showing both the risks and the respect that underpin the sport.
The Fight That Shaped BKB’s Identity
When Dave Radford stepped into the ring to face James McCrory, both men knew they were in for a war. What unfolded was a gruelling, toe-to-toe battle that has since gone down in British bare-knuckle history. Blood, bruises, and pure heart—it was everything people think of when they picture bare-knuckle boxing. But it was also controlled, refereed, and fought under clear rules with medics on standby. That’s the part many people don’t see.
A Brotherhood Behind the Brutality
One thing that might surprise people is the camaraderie in BKB. After their punishing fight, Dave Radford and James McCrory didn’t walk away enemies—they walked away with mutual respect. That’s a theme you’ll hear again and again in this world. Fighters may go to war in the ring, but outside of it, there’s a brotherhood. They’ve shared something few others will ever understand.
That sense of respect, combined with tighter regulation, skilled matchmaking, and increasing medical oversight, means the sport continues to grow—without the chaos that once defined it.
Conclusion: Safer, But Still for the Brave
So, how safe is BKB?
It’s as safe as it can be—for what it is. This isn’t a game. It’s a fight. But with people like Dave Radford and James McCrory setting the standard, and with modern promoters putting safety and professionalism at the core, bare-knuckle boxing today is far removed from the underground myth people still imagine.
It’s still tough. Still real. But now, it’s a sport fighters can be proud of—and survive.
What makes their story even more powerful is that Newmount Films has done some detailed filming around Dave and James’s epic trilogy of fights, capturing not just the blood and bruises, but the deep respect, sacrifice, and legacy that came with each battle. Their story is more than just a fight—it’s a piece of modern BKB history, and you can watch it all unfold in the documentary, ‘The Beast of the Bales’ now available on Amazon Prime.
