Bare knuckle boxing is an essential part of Irish traveler (Gypsy) culture and is used as a way to settle disputes between individuals or sometimes entire families.

Though it may seem barbaric to outsiders, there is actually a lot of honor and respect involved as most fights usually end with a handshake if not with a clean KO. There are of course strict ‘fair play’ rules too, this isn’t a no rules affair. Only striking with the hands is allowed and zero grappling is permitted as well.

You can find many videos of these bare knuckle gypsy matches online, but the technique of the fighters in this realm can vary quite wildly. Some appear to be quite skilled, technical boxers while most are just tough, wild street brawlers.

This fight video in particular is a pretty good example of an evenly matched bout between two guys with some skill having a good fight.

Both men are not wildly throwing with no defense in mind like so many street fight videos out there. Both are patient and know to keep their hands up and chins down at all times.

However, the shorter man seems to be the bigger puncher of the two. He is also pressing the action early on and landing the heavier strikes. The taller guy is more cautious though and appears to be looking to counter his opponent over the course of this fight.

Being the taller man, he should be fighting taller than he is however. He is letting his opponent get too close to him and he’s not using his jab enough.

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The end comes after the shorter man lands hard and the taller man decides to cut his losses and call it a day. Both combatants shake hands afterwards in a show of mutual respect to end this evenly matched, technical bare knuckle brawl.