Brutal underground world of British bare-knuckle boxing revealed in shocking pictures

THESE dramatic photos lift the lid on the brutal underground world of British bare-knuckle boxing.

The images give a rare insight into the sport, where competitors box without gloves until the ref steps in - or one of them is knocked out.

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The underground sport is more bloody and dangerous than licensed boxing

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Bare-knuckle boxer Paul Stredder, 35, is left covered in blood during a bout

Photographer Jack Taylor snapped competitors in Manchester with Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing, which is hoping to shed the sport’s murky image.

The Warrington-based promotions company says it operates to “stringent guidelines” and that it cares for fighters and fans.

It adds on its Facebook page: “We have a moral obligation not only to give value for money but in ensuring the safety of the men willing to spill their blood for a night of glory.”

An Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing contest consists of three, two-minute rounds ending with a knockout or until the ref steps in.

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Boxer Dom Clark, 35, celebrates his win over two-time bare-knuckle champion, Luke Atkin

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A fan in the audience shouts while watching a bout

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Chris Wheeldon, 36, poses with the tools of his trade after a training session

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Without gloves, the brutal sport leaves fighters covered in their own blood

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A medical attends to the bloodied two-time world champion of bare-knuckle boxing, Luke Atkins

Without gloves, the sport is far bloodier than conventional boxing – and more dangerous for fighters.

But enthusiasts are hoping to shake off the sport’s brawler image by moving to established, mainstream venues.

Fans of the sport – for which top fighters can earn up to 50k a bout - insist it’s legal provided permission is given by the local authority and safety measures are in place.

But the British Boxing Board of Control, which regulates licensed boxing, believes it’s a grey area.

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A fighter is left bruised and covered in blood after a brutal bout in the ring

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A boxer is sprayed with mist inbetween bouts - which go on until one person is knocked out, or the ref steps in

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A trainer greets a fighter after his punishing bout

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Enthusiasts of bare-knuckle boxing say it is legal with local authority permission and the right safety measures

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Bur the licensing body of the gloved sport says it's a grey area

The board’s general secretary, Rob Smith, told the Mirror two years ago: “It is a cloudy area, but I do believe it is illegal.

“Police deal with it as a public order matter and stop it.

“It is crazy, there is an inherent risk in licensed boxing and we work very hard to ensure it is as safe as possible.”

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The sport requires intense training to be able to stand a chance of winning a bare-knuckle fight

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Promoters hope that they can shed bare-knuckle boxing's brawler image by moving events to mainstream venues

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Boxing without gloves was driven underground following the introduction of the Queensberry Rules in 1867 - the basis of mainstream boxing

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The no-holds-barred sport gained popularity in Britain near the end of the 17th century.

However it was pushed underground with the introduction of the so-called Queensberry rules in 1867.

The code provided the basis for modern boxing and mandates that fighters have to wear gloves.

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