Hall of Fame in Belfast, New York
The Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame in Belfast, New York, dedicated to the sport of bare-knuckle boxing. It is housed in barns that were once owned by the Greco-Roman wrestling champion and physical culture pioneer William Muldoon. The heavyweight boxing champion John L. Sullivan, who fought in both bare-knuckled and gloved boxing contests, trained in these barns under Muldoon's guidance for his championship bout against Jake Kilrain in 1889.[1] The barns were originally across Main Street from their current location, on the grounds of the Belfast Catholic Church. They were bought, moved, and restored by Scott Burt when the church became no longer interested in maintaining them. Burt opened the Hall of Fame in 2009, when it had its first induction class.[2]
The Hall of Fame houses plaques and memorabilia associated with bare-knuckle boxers that have been inducted to the Hall of Fame, as well as exhibits devoted to the general history of bare-knuckle boxing. Each year's induction class includes bare-knuckle boxers from the classic era, modern bare-knuckle boxers, and honorary inductees. Trainers, promoters and other significant figures in the sport are also upon occasion inducted.[3][4]
The Hall of Fame also serves as a memorial to Sullivan's training camp with Muldoon, a number of relics of which have survived the lengthy period when the barns sat unused. These include his original work-out rings, a ceiling mount for Sullivan's heavy bag, the slatted area of flooring on which Sullivan stood for gravity showers after training, his original swing clubs and weights, and the "room of repose" in which Sullivan and Muldoon relaxed and discussed strategy in the evenings, which includes some of Muldoon's original furniture.[1] Sullivan and Muldoon's use of this training camp was documented by the celebrated reporter Nellie Bly, in an article she wrote for the New York World.[5]
Inductees
The following are the inductees into the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame as of 6 April 2018:[2][6][7]
Original Inductees
Original inductees are required to have boxed completely bare-fisted (with no wraps) at some point in their career. These include living fighters and those that fought as early as the 18th century.
Honorary Inductees
These must have brought positive spotlight to upstate New York or done a considerable service to the sport of Bare-knuckle boxing. Honorary inductees are those that have not bare knuckle boxed, that is, those listed as a 'boxer' have boxed with gloves or wraps, and inductees associated with ice hockey are inducted for their contributions to the fighting aspects of the game (to date, both hockey-related honorary inductees have been associated with the Buffalo Sabres, who play 66 miles (106 km) from Belfast). The honorary inductees were included as an acknowledgement that bare-knuckle boxing ended as a mainstream sport over a century ago, and that the honorary inductee system allows notable figures that promoted activity similar to bare knuckle boxing, who might be more recognizable to modern audiences, to be included in the Hall.[8]
Marie Backus Person of the Year
| Year
|
Recipient
|
| 2014 |
Mercedes Vazquez-Simmons
|
| 2015 |
Jack Emrick
|
| 2016 |
Bob Collins
|
| 2017 |
Gino Arilotta
|
| 2018 |
Bill Clancy
|
Induction Events
For the inaugural induction ceremony in 2009, former undisputed heavyweight champion Leon Spinks was a special guest.
From 2011-2013 there was a breakfast in honour of a particular person each year, in 2011 this was Jack Green, Buffalo Ring 44 President. In 2012 the breakfast was in honour of Jeff Mengel, who had trained the fighter Jimmy Holmes in the barns in Belfast, New York. The 2013 breakfast was in honour of Zeke Wilson, author of the book The Eighth Round, combatant of prejudice in boxing and a noted boxer himself.[2]
Current Recognized Champions
With the introduction of modern day sanctioned bare knuckle boxing events both inside and outside of the United States, the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame, in conjunction with the National Police Gazette, currently recognizes several individuals as World and American Bare Knuckle Boxing champions. The following individuals are recognized as the current champions.[9]
Modern Era Championship History
National Police Gazette Heavyweight World Championship
- Weight limit: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Bobby Gunn was recognized as the Bare Knuckle Boxing lineal champion after his victory over Richie Steward in 2011. Sometime after this victory, Gunn was awarded the National Police Gazette Championship by the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame. He then cemented his lineal championship status as he defeated Irineu Beato Costa Jr at BKFC 1 in 2018 which did not appear to be a Police Gazette Championship title defense.[10]
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
 Bobby Gunn
promoted to undisputed champion
|
N/A
|
February, 2016
|
|
| The title was vacated on Nov 11, 2019 as Bobby Gunn was named Police Gazette Champion Emeritus, meaning he can challenge for the World title whenever he wants
|
| 2
|
 Joey Beltran
def. Chase Sherman
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 9
Biloxi, Mississippi
|
November 16, 2019
|
1. def. Marcel Stamps at BKFC 13 on Oct 10, 2020
2. def. Sam Shewmaker at BKFC 18 on June 26, 2021
|
| 3
|
Arnold Adams
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: New York
Salamanca, New York
|
November 6, 2021
|
|
| The title was vacated for unknown reasons
|
| 4
|
Gustavo Trujillo
def. Ike Villanueva
|
BYB 28: Bourbon Street Brawl
New Orleans, Louisiana
|
July 13, 2024
|
|
National Police Gazette Heavyweight American Championship
- Weight limit: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Arnold Adams claimed this championship by winning an 8-man tournament which was hosted by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Arnold Adams
def. Sam Shewmaker
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 3
Biloxi, Mississippi
|
October 20, 2018
|
|
| 2
|
Chase Sherman
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 7
Biloxi, Mississippi
|
August 10, 2019
|
|
| The title was vacated as Chase Sherman fought for the World Championship against Joey Beltran
|
National Police Gazette UK Heavyweight Championship
- Weight limit: 265 lbs (120 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
 Jody Meikle
def. Dorian Darch
|
BKB 24
London, UK
|
January 22, 2022
|
|
| 2
|
Dan Podmore
|
BKB 26
London, UK
|
June 11, 2022
|
|
National Police Gazette 225-lb UK Championship
- Weight limit: 225 lbs (102 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Dan Podmore
def. Ryan Barrett
|
BKB 28
London, UK
|
September 3, 2022
|
|
National Police Gazette Cruiserweight World Championship
- Weight limit: 205 lbs (93 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Lorenzo Hunt
def. Héctor Lombard
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 22
Miami, Florida
|
November 12, 2021
|
|
| The title was vacated on July 13, 2022 for unknown reasons
|
| 2
|
 Marko Martinjak
def. Chad Kelly
|
BKB 29
London, England
|
December 3, 2022
|
|
| 3
|
Jarome Hatch
|
BYB 16: Desert Brawl
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
|
March 18, 2023
|
|
| 4
|
Marko Martinjak
|
BKB 18: The Police Gazette International Cup
London, England
|
June 25, 2023
|
1. def. Jarome Hatch at BYB 23 on January 18, 2024
|
National Police Gazette 205-lb British Championship
- Weight limit: 205 lbs (93 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
 Dave Thomas
def. Steve Evans
|
BKB 27
London, UK
|
July 23, 2022
|
|
National Police Gazette 185-lb World Championship
- Weight limit: 185 lbs (84 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Cub Hawkins
def. Daniel Lerwell
|
BYB 23: Brawl in the Pines 2
Pembroke Pines, Florida
|
January 18, 2024
|
|
National Police Gazette 185-lb British Championship
- Weight limit: 185 lbs (84 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Marley Churcher
def. Gavin Curragh
|
BKB 27
London, UK
|
July 23, 2022
|
|
| 2
|
James Connelly
|
BKB 31
London, England
|
March 26, 2023
|
|
National Police Gazette 175-lb World Championship
- Weight limit: 175 lbs (79 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
 Barrie Jones
def. Jimmy Sweeney
|
BKB 25
London, UK
|
April 10, 2022
|
1. def. Jimmy Sweeney at BKB 28 on September 3, 20222. def. Jonny Tello at BKB 30 on January 21, 20233. def. Tommy Turner at BYB 18 on June 25, 2023
|
| 2
|
Lowrant-T Nelson
|
BYB 30: Cardiff Brawl
Cardiff, Wales
|
August 17, 2024
|
|
National Police Gazette 175-lb British Championship
- Weight limit: 175 lbs (79 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Tony Lafferty
def. Reece Murray
|
BKB 29
London, England
|
December 3, 2022
|
|
National Police Gazette 165-lb World Championship
- Weight limit: 165 lbs (74 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
 Elvin Brito
def. Kaleb Harris
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Fight Night: Jackson
Jackson, Mississippi
|
January 29, 2022
|
|
National Police Gazette 165-lb British Championship
- Weight limit: 165 lbs (74 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Sean George
def. Tony Lafferty
|
BKB 25
London, UK
|
April 10, 2022
|
|
| 2
|
Scott McHugh
|
BKB 26
London, UK
|
June 11, 2022
|
1. def. Martin Reffell at BKB 28 on September 3, 2022
|
|
|
National Police Gazette 155-lb World Championship
- Weight limit: 155 lbs (70 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
 Luis Palomino
def. Jim Alers
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 14
Miami, Florida
|
November 13, 2020
|
1. def. Tyler Goodjohn at BKFC 18 on June 26, 20212. def. Dat Nguyen at BKFC 22 on November 12, 20213. def. Martin Brown at BKFC: KnuckleMania 2 on February 19, 2022
|
| The title was vacated on November 14, 2022 for unknown reasons
|
| 2
|
Desmond Green
def. Scott McHugh
|
BYB 13: Tampa Brawl
Tampa, Florida
|
November 19, 2022
|
|
National Police Gazette 145-lb World Championship
- Weight limit: 145 lbs (65 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Seth Shaffer
def. Carlos Guerra
|
BYB 12: London Brawl
London, England
|
October 16, 2022
|
|
National Police Gazette 135-lb World Championship
- Weight limit: 135 lbs (61 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Dat Nguyen
def. Johnny Bedford
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship: Knucklemania
Lakeland, Florida
|
February 5, 2021
|
|
| The title was vacated on June 10, 2021 for unknown reasons
|
| 2
|
Johnny Bedford
def. Reggie Barnett Jr.
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 20
Biloxi, Mississippi
|
August 20, 2021
|
|
| The title was vacated on December 21, 2022 as Johnny Bedford retired from combat sports
|
National Police Gazette Lightweight American Championship
- Weight limit: 135 lbs (61 kg)
- Johnny Bedford claimed this championship by winning an 8-man tournament which was hosted by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Johnny Bedford
def. Reggie Barnett Jr.
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 6
Tampa, Florida
|
June 22, 2019
|
|
| The title was changed to World Championship
|
National Police Gazette British Championship
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Matt Hodgson
def. Lawrence Tracey
|
BKB 24
London, UK
|
January 22, 2022
|
|
National Police Gazette Women's 155-lb World Championship
- Weight limit: 155 lbs (70 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Jozette Cotton
def. Miranda Barber
|
BYB 12: London Brawl
London, England
|
October 16, 2022
|
1. def. Jamie Driver at BYB 17 on May 13, 2023
|
National Police Gazette Women's 135-lb World Championship
- Weight limit: 135 lbs (61 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Patricia Juarez
def. Monica Medina
|
BYB X: Biloxi Brawl
Biloxi, Mississippi
|
January 22, 2022
|
|
| 2
|
Monica Medina
|
BYB 20: Brawl on the Bayou
Biloxi, Mississippi
|
September 16, 2023
|
|
| 3
|
Patricia Juarez
|
BYB 22: Rocky Mountain Brawl
Denver, Colorado
|
December 2, 2023
|
|
National Police Gazette Women's 125-lb World Championship
- Weight limit: 125 lbs (56 kg)
- The inaugural champion, Bec Rawlings, was awarded the National Police Gazette Championship by the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame 3 days after her historic win over Alma Garcia. [11]
- It was originally known as the National Police Gazette Women's Featherweight World Championship
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
 Bec Rawlings
promoted to undisputed champion
|
N/A
|
June 5, 2018
|
1. def. Britain Hart at BKFC 2 on Aug 25, 2018
2. def. Cecilia Flores at BKFC 4 on Feb 2, 2019
|
| The title was vacated on August 16, 2020 for unknown reasons
|
| 1
|
Christine Ferea
def. Britain Hart
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship KnuckleMania 2
Hollywood, Florida
|
February 19, 2022
|
|
National Police Gazette Women's Featherweight American Championship
- Weight limit: 126 lbs (57 kg)
| No.
|
Name
|
Event
|
Date
|
Defenses
|
| 1
|
Christine Ferea
def. Britain Hart
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 5
Biloxi, Mississippi
|
April 6, 2019
|
|
| 2
|
 Helen Peralta
|
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 7
Biloxi, Mississippi
|
August 10, 2019
|
|
See also
References
External links
