Ordinary guys became superheroes for the night as they risked horrific injuries during a night of bare-knuckle boxing.
Accountants, teachers and truck drivers fought like savages in front of hundreds of enthusiastic bettors.
The fighters emerged to soundtracks and plumes of smoke on stage as they made their way to the boxing ring inside a large auditorium.
By fighting without boxing gloves, punters risked broken faces, detached retinas and broken hands as they traded blows before baying fans.
The Mail was invited to the real-life fight club at Manchester’s BEC Arena, near Old Trafford.
Accountants, teachers and truck drivers brawled like savages in front of hundreds of enthusiastic punters at Manchester’s BEC Arena. Pictured is Nick Bass against Chene Ferguson.
The real-life fight club, which is just down the road from Old Trafford, is completely legal and licensed.
By fighting without boxing gloves, punters risked broken faces, detached retinas and broken hands as they traded blows before baying fans.
A ring girl announces the start of the second round at the bare knuckle boxing event.
All fighters were examined by medical personnel before and after each fight at the legal and licensed event.
Wigan accountant Steve Rouke, who won his brutal fight with Mickey McGowan, said: “Yes, I’ll be back to work next week.” It was a lot of fun and I’m fine thank God.’
The father, originally from Northern Ireland, said his daughter Orlaith understood that he boxed.
He said: “Yes, she is only five years old, but she saw me training with her uncle and understands that I fight in my free time.”
Frenchman Paul Bichet, who was stopped in the first round, returned to Paris with a bag under his eyes.
He said: “Everything was fine and I will be back.” It just wasn’t my night.
In the main fight, Northern Ireland-based Sean O’Brien faced local hero Tom Swiderek, who was forced to retire at the end of the second round. Tom appeared to be injured after receiving a flurry of savage body blows.
Truck driver Danny Griffiths (pictured), who lost his fight with Jake Taylor, said he will be back behind the wheel in a few days.
Tom Swiderek in action with Sean O’Brien during the brutal weekend event
Jake Taylor (left) emerged victorious in his fight against Danny Griffiths
Danny Griffiths grimaces on the ground after suffering a body blow
Each fighter is examined by medical teams. Mr. Griffiths appears in the photo.
Mr Taylor celebrates his fight against Mr Griffiths at event in Manchester
Nick Bass and Chene Ferguson face each other in the brutal event
Mr. Bass celebrates his victory by roaring to the crowd.
Sean, a veteran boxer and mixed martial arts fighter, said: “At the end of the first round I knew I had it.” It was only a matter of time. I think he caught me once but he didn’t hurt me.
Sean’s trainer Rodney Moore said: “Yes, we are ready for a rematch with Tom, no problem.” Tonight was an easy job for Sean.
Truck driver Danny Griffiths, who lost his fight with Jake Taylor, said he will be back behind the wheel in a few days.
Danny, from St Helens, said: ‘Yes, I’ll be back behind the wheel in a few days. I would like to thank Shaun Smith for training me for this fight. I lost two kilos during training, but I plan to celebrate tomorrow with a traditional barbecue with all the trimmings.’
Danny told the Mail that he decided to take part in the bare knuckle fight to show some support for his son, who is an up-and-coming amateur boxer.
The Mail was invited to the real-life fight club at Manchester’s BEC Arena, just down the road from Old Trafford.
Mr Ferguson posing before his fight
O’Brien with his fists raised in a photo taken before his fight
Mr. Taylor roared with joy as he realized he had won his fight.
The victory came despite Taylor suffering several cuts to his face.
Tom Swiderek is covered in blood during their fight at the BEC Arena in Manchester.
All fighters were examined by medical personnel before and after each fight at the legal and licensed event.
Boxers’ hands are wrapped with tape to try to reduce injuries.
Danny said: “My son Bailey is doing really well, but I wanted to do something to show him that I can do it too.” So I did it for my son.’
The event was organized by Warrington’s mother Amanda Smith, owner of events company Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing.
Amanda, the only female bare knuckle boxing promoter in the country, said: “We have worked hard to change the image and perceptions around bare knuckle boxing.”
‘We introduced mandatory drug testing and medical checks before and after every fight.
“And I always spend Sundays making phone calls to make sure all the fighters are okay and paid.”
The event, which took place over the weekend, is fully licensed and completely legal.
Nick Bass celebrates after beating Chene Ferguson in their fight
Boxers must have their hands professionally taped before each fight.
Griffiths receives support from his coach after suffering injuries
The ring is in the center of a large auditorium.
The MC announced that organizers would stage their final show next year, when fan favorite Dave Lowes would take on Liam Gell.
Dave, who retired from fighting last year to care for his son who has special needs, told the crowd he had agreed to fight one more time.
Amanda said: ‘So the next show will be the last. I have some special fights planned, including Dave and Liam.
‘It has been a difficult decision, but now is the time to step down and pass the baton to the next generation.
“But we’re looking forward to the final show and the after party will be special.”
