‘As a man, I don’t think you can be tested any harder
GLOVES OFF AS FIGHTER MAKES BARE-KNUCKLE BOXING SWITCH
IT looks like any other top-class boxing card – but there’s just one crucial element missing. Gloves.
Luke Nevin, 23, is a bare-knuckle boxer who grew up idolising Mike Tyson – and he admits he loves the violence.
“It is like the gladiators from the old days – the ultimate test,” says undefeated Luke.
“You couldn’t use swords now, but this is the closest you will ever get.”
But forget the movie “Snatch” – gone are the days of two shirtless men “having a straightener” for a bet.
Nor is it like the ’70s and ’80s, where underworld fighters such as “The Guvnor” Lenny Mclean created their legend in the ultra-violent world of unlicensed boxing.
Bare-knuckle boxing is entering the mainstream, and now fighters have walk-in music, and use social media to hype fights.
Luke, from Stanley, even has a sponsor – Quayside firm WMA Motors.
Fans fill arenas, including London’s O2, and the cards are attracting bigger names.
Former UFC stars have competed, while ex-premier League star turned boxer Curtis Woodhouse is currently training for his debut. Also on the card is Luke. By day, he runs a tattoo removal firm.
But when the gloves are off, his fists leave opponents’ skin bruised, bloodied and scarred.
After over six years in the Army, he’s fought unlicenced and amateur bouts. Last weekend, with the gloves on, he knocked an opponent out in 47 seconds.
But he loves the thrill of fighting bare-knuckle – and being able to let his hands go.
“I just think it is a better buzz, and, as a man, I don’t think you can be tested any harder,” said Luke.
“I’d always wanted to do it, as it is where boxing is from.”
He fights for the UBKB organisation, famous via the Netflix Documentary Bare Knuckle Fight Club.
Having wowed on a gloved card at Gateshead’s Lancastrian Suite, he was snapped up.
He won his debut, which was refereed by the UK’S “scariest debt collector” Shaun Smith.
He will next fight on March 30 in Manchester.
“Luke is a great easy-going, hard-working lad but, once in the ring, he turns into a warrior,” said Stu Armstrong, UBKB’S media manager.
“He is held in high regard by all of us and I see him going far in bare-knuckle boxing.”
But the sport isn’t without controversy.
Critics say it is a dangerous, primitive sport which takes boxing back to the dark ages.
However, those couldn’t disagree more.
“People just don’t understand it – they think of scraps in the street, but it is properly controlled,” insists Luke.
“You have weight classes and the medics there are red-hot, plus the fights tend to be a lot quicker.
“People think, because there’s no gloves, you get more punishment – but you are not in there long enough.”
Luke said, without gloves, bareknuckle involved fighters don’t fancy going headhunting.
“You tend to punch the softer parts of the body, as you don’t want to break your hand,” he claims.
“And on the other side, you can’t hesitate – you have to be first to land as you don’t want to be on the receiving end of nine punches to the heed!
“You respect your opponent too, you do want to hurt them but when the fight stops it ends there.”
But some people who are not as keen on Luke fighting bare-knuckle are his family.
“My partner doesn’t mind watching me fight gloved, but she doesn’t like the bare-knuckle,” admits Luke.
“And I don’t think your parents really want to see you fight bareknuckle.”
But his promoter said quick-fisted Luke “made the right choice” in competing.
However, the risks are all too real.
UBKB’S shows have a doctor at ringside – a sobering reminder of the risks prizefighters take every time they enter the ring.
UBKB say it does everything it can to ensure its fighters stay safe.
“At UBKB the main concern is the health and safety of our fighters,” insists Stu.
“We have a full team of experienced medics on hand at every show, in addition to a fully-qualified doctor.
“All fighters have in-depth medical checks carried on them to ensure that they are fit to compete, and are also checked over after the bout
“We also have a policy of compulsory drug testing again to ensure the safety of our team.”