History of London Boxing

Although unlicensed boxing is not illegal it can be seen as a rougher, more brutal side of the sport.

Unlicensed fighters are boxers who are not licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control and often have everyday professions outside of the ring. For more information on licenses issued by the BBBC use the link on the top right of this page.

Unlicensed boxing covers a wide range of fighters and fighting contests but this doesn't mean that the fighters are taking part in anything illegal. Most are matches staged in leisure centres, nightclubs and halls with gloves, referees, trainers and medics.

However, some of the fights are not staged under strict conditions and would not meet the criteria set up by many organisations. There are of course some unlicensed fights that do go on as bareknuckle contests that could break some UK laws but these contests are often held under secrecy away from the public.

Roy Shaw, Lenny McLean and Donny 'the bull' Adams are all former legends of the unlicensed game attracting huge crowds and bets whenever they fought. Lenny McLean fought Roy Shaw three times in the late 1970's in front of massive crowds and the press also covered the controversial fight between Roy Shaw and Donny 'the bull' Adams.

The police objected to the contest as it was originally going to be staged bareknuckle. The fight did go ahead, with gloves, and Roy Shaw won with a knockout in the first round. Many gypsy fighters still continue the tradition of bareknuckle fighting today.

Alan Mortlock

Today the unlicensed fight game still goes on and one of the top promoters is Alan Mortlock who puts on shows around Essex and the East End of London. Find out more with our video clip of the born again boxing promoter.

Video Recorded: 2002 Duration: 5 minutes

Anyone interested in boxing should go to gyms run by professional trainers and not enter into matches unless trained as a boxer. For more information you can contact the Amateur Boxing Association of England on 020 8778 0251 or the British Boxing Board of Control on 020 7403 5879.