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Boxing

What is Gypsy Boxing? Exploring the roots and traditions behind Tyson ‘Gypsy King’ Fury

DAZN

DAZN Staff

12, Dec

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Heavyweight title challenger Tyson Fury calls himself 'The Gypsy King'. One of his distant relatives, Bartley Gorman, referred to himself as 'King of the Gypsies'. They talk about Gypsy Boxing and how it shaped them. But what exactly is Gypsy Boxing? Where does it happen? How is it viewed? And how does it differ from Queensbury Rules? With Tyson Fury's fight against Oleksandr Usyk drawing ever closer, let's take a moment to explore this form of fighting that has played a pivotal role in Fury's development as a boxer.

What is it?

Simply put gypsy boxing is unregulated bare-knuckle boxing. It's a traditional form of combat sport that is closely associated with Romani culture and the wider Travelling community, particularly in the UK and Ireland. This practice has deep historical and cultural roots, often serving as a means of settling disputes or demonstrating physical prowess.

Read next | Why is Usyk v Fury not an undisputed championship fight?

Key features of gypsy boxing

Bare-Knuckle Fighting: As the name suggests, gypsy boxing typically involves fighting without gloves, making it a raw and challenging combat sport. Fighters rely on skill, endurance, and strategy rather than just brute force.
Cultural significance: Among Travelling communities, bare-knuckle boxing has long been a way of resolving disputes honourably. It is often seen as a rite of passage and a demonstration of personal or familial strength.
Famous participants: Several high-profile boxers, including Tyson Fury and his family, trace their roots to the gypsy boxing tradition. Fury himself comes from a long line of fighters within the Irish Traveller community and has often spoken about the sport's influence on his career.
Modern revival: In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in bare-knuckle boxing, with professional organizations like BKFC holding regulated events worldwide. While these events often draw inspiration from traditional gypsy boxing, they include strict rules and medical oversight to ensure fighter safety.
Unregulated origins: Historically, gypsy boxing was informal and took place outside regulated arenas, often in open fields or secluded areas. Today, the sport's traditional version remains unregulated and distinct from the professional circuits. According to some sources Bartley Gorman, one of the greatest gypsy boxers of all time, fought in venues that included a mineshaft, a quarry, at horse fairs, on campsites, in bars and clubs, and in the streets.

Criticisms and Controversies

Safety Concerns: The lack of gloves and formal rules in traditional gypsy boxing increases the risk of serious injuries.
Legal Issues: In some regions, unregulated bare-knuckle fights are illegal or exist in legal grey areas.
Stereotypes: Media coverage of gypsy boxing sometimes perpetuates stereotypes about the Travelling community, which many activists and community leaders seek to challenge.

Gypsy boxing continues to hold a significant place in cultural traditions and modern combat sports, bridging the gap between historical practices and contemporary entertainment. The enormous profile Tyson 'Gypsy King' Fury has only helped to increase visibility for this often-marginalised sport.

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