Where Can I Bet On Bare Knuckle Boxing?
Written by
Joe - Poker PlayerLast updated:
February 22, 2024
Forget gloves, forget pads, forget everything you thought you knew about fighting. Bare-knuckle boxing is here, raw, real, and brutal! Bare-knuckle boxing(BKB) is a full-contact combat sport and a version of boxing in which no gloves, pads, or guards are used by fighters. Fighters only use wraps around their knuckles to to at least have some amount of protection. Still, the sport is considered brutal, and most fighters end up at the hospital after each event. Fighters and BKB fans do not agree that the sport is more brutal than other combat sports like Muay Thai or Lethwei. If you are among those die-hard fans and enjoy watching BKFC and other matches, it is time to spice things up by learning where to place your bare-knuckle bets and win some cash.
Is Bare-Knuckle Boxing Legal In The United States?
When writing this guide, professional bare-knuckle boxing is not legal in all US states. However, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Florida, Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Montana, and New Mexico legalized the sport, with Wyoming being the first US state to legalize BKB in 2018. Other states are considering legalization.
Why Bare-Knuckle Boxing and Betting Are Illegal?
First and foremost, it is and used to be considered a vicious kind of fighting. There are serious concerns regarding fighters’ safety. Fighting without gloves leads to deep cuts, severe broken hands, and damaging effects on the brain in the long run. Although BK fighters believe and argue that the sport is much safer than other combat sports, such as MMA or Muay Thai, injury stats and evidence are against this claim. For instance, on August 20, 2021, in Mississippi, Justin Thornton, a professional BKFC fighter, suffered a vicious knockout by Dillon Cleckler, during the BKFC 20 event. 6 weeks later, he died and this is not the only death incident related to bare-knuckle fights. Injuries and death reports are enough evidence of the extreme level of danger involved in this sport.
For this reason, despite the growing popularity of bare-knuckle fights, combat sports officials and the general public are against legalizing the sport and betting on its matches. Still, plenty of fighters out there dream of the BKFC champion title, and many people enjoy watching and betting on these matches, no matter how brutal they can be.
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Top Bare Knuckle Boxing Promotions In The World
Bare-knuckle boxing is not legal in most US states and countries around the world. Still, there are famous promotions- organizations that organize and host bare-knuckle boxing events- in the US, Europe, and other parts of the world. In fact, despite all the brutality and danger involved, these events and organizations are emerging really in the US and worldwide. Below are the most famous bare-knuckle promotions in the US, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC)
Arguably the most well-known, BKFC is based in Philadelphia, founded in 2018 by David Feldman, and boasts high-level fighters, international expansion, and TV deals. Most legit online sportsbooks cover BKFC events and offer betting lines for their matches. It’s credited with spearheading the sport’s modern resurgence mainly because its roster consists of famous boxing and MMA names, including Paige Van Zant (UFC star) and Paulie Malignaggi (former WBA boxing champ). BKFC organizes different matches around the world. For example, BKFC Thailand and BKFC Asia are their licensed counterparts.
Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing (UBKB)
A notable player in the bare-knuckle boxing scene, founded in 2017 in the UK. Similar to its American rival, UBKB is spreading really fast. It is currently the premier bare-knuckle boxing promotion in the UK and Europe. Shaun Smith, the UK’s Scariest Debt Collector, is familiar among the promotion’s owners. No wonder the guy knows a lot about bare-knuckle fighting! UBKB prioritizes fighter safety and health, working with experienced medics and qualified doctors. The promotion is known for exciting shows with top-quality production and broadcasts, including Channel 4, Channel 5, Spike TV, and Netflix.
Top Dog Fighting Championship (Top Dog FC)
Top Dog Fighting Championship (Top Dog FC) is a major player in the bare-knuckle boxing world, particularly in Eastern Europe and Russia. Founded in 2020 in Russia, it quickly became Eastern Europe’s leading bare-knuckle boxing promotion. Top Dog FC is known for organizing the most barbaric bare-knuckle fights. Unlike other promotions in the US and UK, this one does not involve a fancy ring, sponsors, or sexy girls. It is known for its brutal and action-packed fights, attracting viewers who appreciate the raw nature of bare-knuckle boxing. Even though it sounds odd, the promotion has amassed a significant online following, with over 1.5 million fans on various platforms.
Top 3 Online Sportsbooks To Bet On Bare Knuckle Boxing
Due to safety concerns and legality issues, not so many legit online sportsbooks cover BK boxing events. That said, the following three online sportsbooks are the best options for US and international punters willing to bet on BKFC and other events.
1. Sportsbetting.ag
Having the same management team as Betonline, Sportsbetting is a relatively new trusted sportsbook for US players. The operating team has over 20 years of experience in the online gambling industry. Except for New Jersey, punters from other US states can easily access Sportsbetting from their phones and PCs. The website caters to high-stakes sports bettors with higher-than-usual minimum deposit limits.
There is a sportsbook welcome bonus to unlock with a $100 or more deposit. The bonus is available for the first two deposits. Among all trusted and fast banking methods, crypto and BTC are the best options if you want fee-free, hassle-free, and instant deposit and withdrawal. The sportsbook does not cover all bare-knuckle fights. You will find lines only for BKFC events. So, you can make a deposit, claim a bonus, and bet on the upcoming BKFC event. Different betting options, including moneyline, player props, and round betting are available to bet on.
2. Bovada
Being one of the oldest sportsbooks in the industry, Bovada is a solid option for US and international punters, except for players from New York, Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Canada, the UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, and a couple of other countries. With a 50% Sports welcome bonus available, bare-knuckle fans can deposit as little as $20 and place bets on different bare-knuckle events. Bovada covers BKFC and UBKB betting lines. They may offer Top Dog FC lines as well. But typically, the two main promotions’ events from the US and UK are covered.
Bovada offers a variety of bonuses, reward programs, safe and fast banking methods, including crypto, and top-notch 24/7 customer service available through live chat with human agents.
3. BetUS
BetUS is another solid option for US players when it comes to sports and bare-knuckle boxing betting. The website is legit and operates legally in the US. With varying bonuses, safe and fast banking methods, and responsive live support, you can confidently place your BKFC bets at BetUS. The website does not offer lines for other BKB events other than BKFC.
Wrap-Up: Should You Bet On Bare Knuckle Boxing?
If you are not disturbed by the level of violence involved in matches, you can spice things up by placing some bets. However, we recommend sticking to BKFC and UBKB events as these promotions are more regulated and try to impose more precautions and regulatory measures. The key to placing a successful bare-knuckle boxing bet is to monitor fighters’ performance, injury reports, players’ strengths and weaknesses, and victory records. Also, learn the rules and scoring system, as these can affect your wager’s outcome. Try to stick with less risky betting options like match winner, manage your bankroll, and not bet on players you know nothing about.
Where To Bet On Bare Knuckle Boxing FAQs
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Is Bare Knuckle Betting Legal In The US?
No. Bare-knuckle betting is illegal across the United States. But punters can bet on legal off-shore websites available in the US market.
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Who Are Some Of The Top Bare Knuckle Boxers?
According to the BKFC ranking, Alan Belcher, Arnold Adams, Josh Copeland, Josh Watson, Dawid Oskar, and Houston Alexander are the top six bare-knuckle fighters.
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Where Can You Watch Bare Knuckle Boxing Events?
There are various ways to watch BKB events, with Bare Knuckle TV being the main one. It is also available on the App Store. There are various channels on YouTube, including BKFC and UBKB official channels, that live stream events.
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Does DraftKings Offer Bare-Knuckle Boxing Betting?
No. DraftKings does not cover BKFC or other BK events.
