Bobby Gunn is the first bare-knuckle boxing champion in the U.S. in more than 120 years. The 42-year-old Gunn was raised by nomadic gypsies (watch out, Borat) on the icy shores of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and has made a living with his fists since leaving school after the second grade. Currently undefeated in 71 fights, Gunn’s story, in his own words, “will make Mickey Rourke’s story look like a Disney cartoon.”
Before he beat dudes with his bare hands, Gunn was a boxer who went by the nickname “The Celtic Warrior”. He went 21-6 in 29 fights with 1 draw and 1 “no contest” and 18 wins by knockout as a Cruiserweight.
Almost five years ago, in August 2011, Gunn fought Rich Stewart in the first sanctioned bout in the United States since 1889, which Gunn won. Prior to that bout, the last sanctioned fight was in 1889 was between John L. Sullivan and Jake Kilrain.
Men’s Journal published a profile piece about Bobby Gunn and Rolling Stone produced a four-part video series about Gunn and the sport he’s dominating. At the beginning of one video, Gunn stated he’d swam with great white sharks and showed off his battle scars, specifically the lack of cartilage in his nose from all the blows he’s taken.
http://www.gfycat.com/PopularWideeyedGyrfalcon
Here’s his most recent fight, which numerous YouTube commenters called BS on, stating it looked fake as phuck…
Another commenter thought Gunn wouldn’t stand a chance against the #8 ranked UFC heavyweight fighter Mark Hunt, who has 13 wins via knockout and has been dubbed “The King of Walk Offs”.
Gunn claims that boxing is more dangerous than bare-knuckle because of the higher frequency of hits gloved boxers take. He’s also challenged the most famous backyard / street fighter Kimbo Slice, stating Kimbo’s legacy would “forever be hindered” if he didn’t face Gunn. Just about everybody is on board with that, especially the haters who think Gunn is a fraud.
BK Promotions Founder David Feldman said bare-knuckle boxing “will be parallel with” the most popular combat sports in the near future and told Dana White, “See ya at the top.” He believes 2016 is the year the sport goes from underground into the mainstream.
The world record for the longest bare-knuckle fight is listed as 6 hours and 15 minutes between James Kelly and Jonathan Smith in December 1855. Smith gave in after 17 rounds. What a pansy.
The longest professional career of any bare-kncukle boxer in history was Jem Mace who fought for more than 35 years into his 60s, and had his last match in 1909 at the age of 79. Jem Mace sounds like the lead singer of an all-girl band who will get straight medieval on your ass.
Via Unilad