The real life Fight Club: Inside brutal sport of bare-knuckle boxing
by Tom Duffy · Mail OnlineOrdinary blokes became superheroes for the night as they risked horrific injuries during a night of bare knuckle boxing.
Accountants, teachers and lorry drivers brawled like wild men in front of hundreds of roaring punters.
The fighters emerged to pumping soundtracks and plumes of stage smoke as they made their way to the boxing ring inside a vast auditorium.
Fighting without boxing gloves the punters risked smashed faces, detached retinas and broken hands as they traded blows before baying fans.
The Mail was invited to the real life fight club at the BEC Arena in Manchester, just down the road from Old Trafford.
All the fighters were checked over by medical staff before and after each bout at the licensed and legal event.
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Wigan based accountant Steve Rouke who won his brutal bout with Mickey McGowan said: 'Yes I am back in work next week. It was great fun and I am ok thank god.'
The father, originally from Northern Ireland, said that his daughter Orlaith understood that he boxed.
He said: 'Yes she is only five but she watched me spar with her uncle and understands that I fight in my spare time.'
Frenchman Paul Bichet who was stopped in the first round headed back to Paris with a shiner.
He said: 'It was all good and I will be back. It was just not my night.'
The headline fight saw Northern Ireland based Sean O'Brien take on local hero Tom Swiderek, who was forced to retire at the end of the second round. Tom appeared to be injured after soaking up a flurry of savage body shots.
Sean, a veteran boxer and mixed martial arts fighter, said: 'I knew at the end of the first round I had him. It was just a matter of time. I think he caught me once but he did not hurt me.'
Sean's coach Rodney Moore said: 'Yes we are up for a re-match with Tom no problem. Tonight was easy work for Sean.'
Truck driver Danny Griffiths who lost his bout with Jake Taylor said he will be back behind the wheel in a few days time.
Danny, from St Helens, said: 'Yes I am back behind the wheel in a few days time. I would like to thank Shaun Smith for training me for this fight. I lost two stone during training but I plan to celebrate tomorrow with a traditional roast dinner 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 a promising amateur boxer.
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 organised by Warrington mum Amanda Smith, owner of events company Ultimate Bare Knuckle Boxing.
Amanda, the only female promoter of bare knuckle boxing 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 each fight.
'And I always spend Sunday phoning around to make sure the fighters are all ok and have been paid.'
The MC announced that the organisers would be hosting their final show next year, when fans favourite 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 that he had agreed to fight one more time.
Amanda said: 'So the next show will be our last. I have a few special fights planned including Dave and Liam.
'It's been a tough decision but now is the time for us to bow out and pass the baton on to the next generation.
'But we are looking forward to the final show and the after party will be special.'