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Bare-knuckle fighting
In pre-industrial times, bare-knuckle boxing was a common local attraction at fairs, mops and on public hoilidays. Strong men with an aptitude for the sport roamed the countryside usually in small groups, with a length of rope. They would attract a crowd and one of them would issue a challenge to the audience for anyone to fight for money. Spectators would form a circle with the rope ( hence the ring ) into which, to accept the challenge, an onlooker would throw his hat (hence tossing ones hat into the ring) meaning to accept the challenge. Should there be no challenges, two of the party would box each other. In each case there would be a collection and the party would move to the next village.
Travelling fairs might have a boxing booth, in which professionals would challenge the public or box each other, with spectators paying to watch. A man who showed strength and aptitude would become a champion of his village or locality, and his neighbours would support him in challenges to other local champions. A “purse “ might be put up for the winner and there would be plenty of betting.
The history of bare-knuckle boxing.
