Bare Knuckle

Bobby Gunn, 73–0 Undefeated. A Dad. A Dream. A Fight Like You’ve Never Seen.

By: Stayton Bonner

Narrated by: Ari Fliakos

INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

Father. Fighter. Champion. Outlaw.

Hailed as an “exhilarating debut” by Publishers Weekly, Bare Knuckle by former Rolling Stone editor Stayton Bonner (nominated for the Dan Jenkins Medal of Excellence in Sportswriting) takes listeners into a previously unknown world: the underground circuit of illegal bare-knuckle fighting.

Bare Knuckle is the remarkable true tale of Bobby Gunn, the 73–0 undisputed champion of bare-knuckle boxing.

An inspiring underdog story that reads like a real-life Rocky.

Bobby Gunn has been fighting for his existence since a childhood spent living under the hand of his volatile father, and would do anything to give his seven-year-old daughter a better life—including betting on himself in the underground world of bare-knuckle boxing.

In 1984, Gunn was an eleven-year-old boxer in Ontario when his father woke him in the middle of the night to fight grown men in motel parking lots for money, his old man pocketing the cash. From there, Gunn traveled to Las Vegas, Tijuana, and beyond, competing in ringed matches as well as in biker bars and mobster dens on the side, brawling to make ends meet.

But it was only with the birth of his daughter—and his desire to help her avoid his fate—that Gunn entered the big-time world of underground Russian-mob matches of up to $50,000 a night in New York City, hoping to finally raise his family above the fray.

Former Rolling Stone editor Stayton Bonner travels the underground for years with Gunn, the world champion of bare-knuckle boxing with a 73–0 record, shining a light on a secret circuit that’s never before been revealed. Along the way, we explore the fascinating history of this first sport in America, Gunn’s Irish Traveler community—a sect of religious fighters best known through Brad Pitt’s depiction in Snatch—as well as his part in the improbable rise of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, the first legal revival of the sport.

Bare Knuckle, a tale of triumph, loss, and a father’s love for his family, is a heartbreaking but ultimately inspiring story that will have you rooting until the end.

©2024 Stayton Bonner (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Action,drive of the participants.

Liked all of it, never a dull moment in the book. Well written and enjoyed.

Great fight story

Being an old(er), not trained, fighter, I always love listening to or reading a good fight story. This one is up there, near the top. Very well read by the narrator and well written by the author. If you enjoy combat sports, listen to this book.

Very well written

I enjoyed every minute. The descriptions were on point, I can picture everything the other was talking about.

Bobby Gunn beats all odds

Fascinating person and keen observations by the author! I’ve been looking forward to the release of Bare Knuckle since reading a feature article about Bobby Gunn several years ago. Though no fan of this kind of sport, I was riveted to this audio book about bare knuckle fighting and why Bobby Gunn and generations of his nomadic Traveller family have dominated in underground brawling. Bobby Gunn has risen above so many body and soul shattering experiences.

A study in perseverance, dedication to family and one’s talent

This biographical study is well written and addresses one man’s fight against social norms, biases and adversity to care from his family and pursue a dream. Folded into it are lessons on positive and negative parenting in a way that informs and does not lecture. Gunn’s story illustrates how a parent will fight against all challenges for his children and his goals for them and himself. It is a gripping tale of a world most of us do not know exists. A great read.

Equally interesting and heartbreaking

I listened to an interview with Bobby Gunn, a bare-knuckle fighter and Stayton Bonner the writer of the biography, on the Jordan Harbinger Podcast. When they started discussing Gunn's life, an Irish traveler who is 73-0 undefeated in bare-knuckle underground boxing, I was hooked and had to read the book.

Bare Knuckle is equally interesting and heartbreaking since Gunn is a sweet, kind man but was raised to be a beast. I wondered how life would have turned out if he had been raised with a bit more kindness and received more education.

I recommend this book to anyone... it's fascinating.

Excellent! An entertaining dive into a secret world.

Fast-paced, well written, and thoroughly researched. Bonner expertly weaves a true life narrative of violence, hidden societies, life on the edge, and family.

This story is Epic

I never knew how tough and real bare knucklers are until I read this book. it is a true story about a culture that is ancient but is as close to real manhood as it can get. these guys are incredibly courageous, risking their lives fighting like this, just as it was done in the ancient times. Bobby Gunn is my hero, despite the life challenges he is going through. I am very inspired by his life and what he accomplished with fighting. as a martial artist who values real street fighting skills, not theory, I learned a ton from Mr. Gunn.

Love Combat Combat Sports

Gunn moved the needle on bare knuckle and certainly wouldn't want square off with him. Appreciate the insight into Travelers culture. Now Mike Perry is moving the needle on bare knuckle legitimacy, thanks to Gunn.

Same story over and over

If this was a 30 minute read you would have captured all the interesting information about the protagonist. Moreover at the ending you are left with a tremendous letdown.