Inside The Bloodthirsty World Of Unlicensed Boxing Where Fighters Are Usually Knocked Out Senseless (Photos)

Photos have been released from the brutal world of British bare-knuckle boxing where fighters fight without gloves and are often knocked out badly.

These dramatic, ringside pictures expose the no-holds-barred world of British bare-knuckle boxing, in which opponents fight for cash prizes.

The incredible photos uncover the bloodthirsty events, where brutal knockouts bring many bouts to a premature end.

They were taken at the Bare Fist Boxing Association's Blood Sport 2 event, which was held at an old cotton mill in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

Fights earned the ire of a councillor in the town, but organisers insist the scraps are legal, although the sport remains unregulated due to there being no established licensing body.

Top bare-knuckle fighters can earn up to £50,000 in just one fight and the association is set to hold another event on St Patrick's Day.

Bare Fist Boxing Association spokesman Andrew Bowling, 33, says organised fights guard against illegal one and argues the fights are no more violent than Mixed Martial Arts. And unlike Formula 1 and darts competitions, the brawlers have no plans to ban their walk-on girls.

See more photos below:

The pictures were taken at Blood Sport 2 - which was held in an old cotton mill last year - by photographer Keith Vaughton, who is from Bolton. He was given intimate insight into the bare-knuckle brawls but was told he could only have access if he kept the fighters' names confidential

'After the fights, there were hugs, laughs and handshakes. There was no animosity whatsoever,' said photographer Keith Vaughton, who documented the Blood Sport 2 event, exposing a world in which participants are permitted only lightweight wraps on their hands when fighting