bare knuckle
No boxing gloves
Bare knuckle describes fighting or boxing without gloves—fists against flesh, the original form of prizefighting before padded gloves became standard.
The term extends to any confrontation that's raw, unrestrained, or brutally direct: bare-knuckle politics, a bare-knuckle negotiation.
Also spelled bare-knuckle or bareknuckle.
Art of fighting with fists
- fisticuffsHand-to-hand combat
- prizefightingProfessional boxing for stakes
- boutLimited stretch of something
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
punch · jab · hook · uppercut · clinch · slugfest · brawler · fighter
Lacking hand covering
- unpaddedWithout protective stuffing
- exposedOut in open
- unguardedWithout protection or caution
- rawIn original state
skin · callus · bruised · bloodied · scraped · split · swollen · taped
In original state
- brutalSavagely harsh or severe
- ruthlessLacking any compassion
- no-holds-barredWithout rules or restrictions
- unflinchingRefusing to show fear
hardline · unyielding · relentless · merciless · unrestrained · savage · fierce · intense
Combat in public spaces
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
- backroomPrivate space for dealings
- unsanctionedNot officially permitted
- illegalForbidden by statute
rough · tough · scrappy · hardscrabble · blue-collar · working-class · grassroots · old-school
pugilism
Art of fighting with fists
- fisticuffsHand-to-hand combat
- prizefightingProfessional boxing for stakes
- boutLimited stretch of something
knockout · punch · jab · hook · uppercut · clinch · slugfest · brawler · fighter · contender
gloveless
Lacking hand covering
raw · skin · callus · bruised · bloodied · scraped · split · swollen · taped · wrapped
raw
In original state
- brutalSavagely harsh or severe
- ruthlessLacking any compassion
- no-holds-barredWithout rules or restrictions
unflinching · hardline · unyielding · relentless · merciless · unrestrained · savage · fierce · intense · aggressive
streetfighting
Combat in public spaces
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
- backroomPrivate space for dealings
- unsanctionedNot officially permitted
illegal · rough · tough · scrappy · hardscrabble · blue-collar · working-class · grassroots · old-school · traditional
- boxingjab, uppercut, hook, punch, knockout
- fistfightspunch, jab, uppercut, haymaker, right hook
- fighting formatsbout, boxing match, cage match, championship bout, death match
bare knucklegloved
Wearing hand coverings
padded · boxing gloves · wrapped · protected · cushioned
bare knuckleQueensberry rules
Formal boxing regulations
regulated · professional boxing · Olympic boxing · refereed · by the book
bare knucklekid gloves
Fine leather handwear
softened · genteel · soft · gentle · restrained
bare, knuckle, bared, knuckles, bare-knuckle boxing, baring, knuckled, bareback, knuckling