The brutal sport of bare-knuckle boxing | 7.30

Key Concepts

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), combat sports, domestic violence, health and safety of fighters, public disorder, consent, regulation, Australian Medical Association (AMA), Combat Sports Commission, facial lacerations, concussions, cage fighting, tourism boon.

Bare Knuckle Boxing: Origins and Rules

Bare knuckle boxing involves fighting without gloves, leading to more direct bone-on-bone contact. The rules are similar to boxing, but with the allowance of "dirty boxing," which includes collar ties and grabbing the opponent with one hand while punching with the other. Fights typically last five rounds, each two minutes long, and only punching is permitted. The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) started in 2018.

Beck Rawlings: A Pioneer in Bare Knuckle Fighting

Queenslander Beck Rawlings is a prominent figure in bare knuckle boxing, having transitioned from mixed martial arts about seven years ago. She is recognized as one of the greatest of all time and the first female to win a world championship in bare knuckle boxing.

Quote: "Being the first female to you know win a world championship in bare knuckle boxing is a is a pretty cool thing" - Beck Rawlings

Controversy and Opposition in Western Australia

The West Australian (WA) government initially recognized bare knuckle boxing in February, paving the way for a BKFC event in Perth. However, this decision faced significant pushback.

Arguments Against BKFC

• Public Safety and Violence: Critics, including the Australian Medical Association (AMA), argue that bare knuckle boxing is an unacceptable "blood sport" that could contribute to a culture of violence, especially given Australia's domestic violence epidemic.
• Health and Safety Concerns: The WA Combat Sports Commission ultimately denied the permit for the event, citing concerns about the health and safety of the fighters. WA Police also voted against the event due to the "character of some of the fighters" and potential public disorder.

Quote: "Two men in a ring with no gloves boxing on with their bare fists is not acceptable in our community and the premier should step forward and ban it." - Opponent of BKFC

Arguments in Favor of BKFC

• Consent and Professionalism: Supporters argue that bare knuckle boxing involves consenting adults who are professional athletes. They reject the comparison to domestic violence or street fights.
• Data on Injuries: Some medical professionals, like ringside doctor Patty Golden, argue that the concussion rate in bare knuckle boxing is relatively low, and injuries are often limited to facial lacerations.
• Hypocrisy: Supporters point out that the WA government supports other combat sports, such as UFC, which have been a tourism boon.

Quote: "We are consenting adults we are professional athletes that train our asses off to to get in there and and put on a show" - Beck Rawlings

The Role of the Combat Sports Commission

The Combat Sports Commission's role is to ensure the safety of combat sports. They initially provided preliminary advice that any event of this nature requires at least two medical practitioners. Ultimately, they denied the permit for the BKFC event based on health and safety concerns.

Quote: "It's not our role to say what sports should and shouldn't occur it's our role to make sure the sports are as as safe as possible" - Representative of the Combat Sports Commission

Historical Context: Cage Fighting Ban

The controversy surrounding bare knuckle boxing in WA echoes a previous ban on cage fighting in 2013 by former Premier Colin Barnett, who deemed it a "violent" and "aggressive sport." However, the WA Labor government later overturned the ban and invested in UFC events.

BKFC's Next Steps

Following the denial of the permit in Perth, BKFC promoters are evaluating their next steps. Anthony Mundine's bare knuckle fighting competition has an application under review by the New South Wales Combat Sport Authority. Beck Rawlings hopes the Perth event can be moved to Brisbane, where there is a more "laid-back" attitude towards combat sports.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The debate surrounding bare knuckle boxing in Western Australia highlights the complex interplay between individual freedom, public safety, and cultural values. While proponents emphasize consent and professionalism, opponents raise concerns about violence, health risks, and the potential impact on society. The decision to deny the BKFC event permit reflects a cautious approach by the WA government, balancing the economic benefits of combat sports with concerns about community well-being. The future of bare knuckle boxing in Australia remains uncertain, with ongoing regulatory reviews and shifting public opinion.