How often do bare-knuckle fighters break their hands?

Bare-knuckle fighting, also known as bare-knuckle boxing or simply "bare-knuckles," is a form of combat sport that involves two individuals fighting without gloves or any other protective equipment on their hands. In this type of fighting, fists are the only weapons used, and strikes are delivered directly to the opponent's body. As a result, there is always a risk of injury, particularly to the hands, which are not protected by gloves. In this article, we will explore the frequency with which bare-knuckle fighters break their hands and the factors that can increase or decrease this risk.

To begin with, it's important to note that the risk of hand injury in bare-knuckle fighting is relatively high compared to other combat sports like boxing or MMA. This is because the hands are not protected by gloves or wraps, which means that every punch thrown carries a risk of injury. According to Dr Michael Kelly, a hand and wrist surgeon based in New York City, the bones in the hand are relatively fragile and can be easily broken or fractured by the impact of a punch.

The exact frequency with which bare-knuckle fighters break their hands is difficult to determine, as there are many variables at play. These variables include the skill level of the fighters, the style of fighting used, and the frequency and intensity of training. However, some estimates suggest that the rate of hand injury in bare-knuckle fighting can be as high as 50% or more.

One factor that can increase the risk of hand injury in bare-knuckle fighting is the technique used by the fighters. According to Dr Kelly, fighters who throw punches with a "swinging" motion, rather than using proper technique and delivering punches with the correct form, are more likely to suffer hand injuries. This is because swinging punches can cause the hand to rotate or twist upon impact, which can put undue stress on the bones and lead to fractures or breaks.

Another factor that can increase the risk of hand injury in bare-knuckle fighting is the frequency and intensity of training. Fighters who train excessively or without proper rest and recovery time are more likely to suffer hand injuries, as their hands will not have sufficient time to heal between training sessions. Additionally, fighters who do not properly condition their hands and wrists may be more susceptible to injury, as their bones and joints may not be strong enough to withstand the impact of repeated punches.

Despite these risks, some bare-knuckle fighters can avoid hand injuries altogether. This is often due to a combination of factors, including proper training and conditioning, good technique, and a bit of luck. Fighters who can avoid hand injuries may still experience other types of injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or broken noses, but the risk of a hand injury can be significantly reduced with the right approach.

In recent years, bare-knuckle fighting has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional combat sports like boxing or MMA. This has led to increased attention on the safety of bare-knuckle fighting and the potential risks associated with this type of sport. Some organizations that promote bare-knuckle fighting have taken steps to reduce the risk of a hand injury, such as requiring fighters to wear wraps or gloves that provide minimal protection. However, these measures may not be enough to completely eliminate the risk of a hand injury, and some fighters may still choose to compete without any protective gear.

In conclusion, bare-knuckle fighting carries a relatively high risk of hand injury due to the lack of protective equipment used in this type of combat sport. While the exact frequency with which bare-knuckle fighters break their hands is difficult to determine, some estimates suggest that the rate of hand injury can be as high as 50% or more. Factors that can increase the risk of hand injury include