Bartley Gorman: The Life of the Original Bare-Knuckle Gypsy King

 Born into Fighting Blood

Bartley Gorman V was born on March 1, 1944, in the coal-mining town of Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England. He came from a long lineage of Irish Travellers, a people known for their proud traditions, resilience, and—most notably—their fighting spirit. The Gorman family had produced generations of fearsome bare-knuckle boxers, men who fought for honor, pride, and survival.

From a young age, Bartley was immersed in this world. Fighting wasn’t a hobby or a sport—it was a way of life. He grew up hearing tales of legendary pugilists, warriors who settled disputes with their fists rather than words. His own family had been involved in bare-knuckle fights for over 200 years, and it was only a matter of time before Bartley would step into that brutal arena himself.

But life in the Traveller community was tough. They faced constant discrimination from outsiders, and violence was a regular occurrence. Respect had to be earned, and in the world Bartley was born into, respect was won through fighting.

The Rise of a Champion

Bartley’s first real fight happened when he was just 12 years old. A local boy insulted his family, and young Bartley, despite his age, refused to back down. The fight ended in a decisive victory—one that caught the attention of the seasoned fighters in his community.

As he grew older, he honed his skills in back-alley brawls, market fights, and challenge bouts at fairs. By the time he was in his early twenties, he was already making a name for himself among the Travellers. He had power, endurance, and a natural fighting instinct that set him apart.

But bare-knuckle fighting was not like professional boxing. There were no gloves, no rounds, and no referees. These were brutal, often lawless encounters where men fought until one could no longer stand. The fights took place in fields, quarries, and secluded barns, far from the watchful eyes of the police.

In 1972, at the age of 28, Bartley Gorman defeated the reigning champion and claimed the title of “King of the Gypsies.” This was not just an honorary title—it was a badge of honor, a declaration that he was the toughest man in the Traveller world. To claim such a title, one had to accept challenges from any and all comers, and Bartley did just that.

Reigning as King

For the next 25 years, Bartley Gorman remained undefeated. He fought all challengers, whether they were fellow Travellers, dock workers, miners, or even professional boxers looking to test themselves in the underground scene. His reputation spread far beyond the Traveller community—bartenders, bookies, and fight promoters whispered stories of his legendary fights.

Some of his battles lasted hours, fought under scorching sun or freezing rain. Unlike professional boxing, where fights were stopped at the referee’s discretion, Bartley’s fights only ended when one man could no longer continue.

Some of the most infamous moments of his career included:

 • A one-hour battle in a barn that left both men barely able to stand.

 • A fight inside a moving horse trailer to avoid police intervention.

 • Being challenged at pubs, where he would knock out drunken challengers with a single punch.

Bartley wasn’t just a fighter—he was a strategist. He studied his opponents, learning how to take their power away with precise counterattacks. His endurance was legendary, and he could absorb an astonishing amount of punishment without going down.

But being the King of the Gypsies also meant dealing with constant challenges. There were always young, hungry fighters looking to make a name for themselves by beating the champion. Bartley accepted every challenge, proving time and time again that he was the undisputed king.

Fighting Outside the Ring

Despite his dominance in the ring, Bartley faced many battles outside of it. Bare-knuckle fighting was illegal, and he was constantly pursued by law enforcement. Fights had to be arranged in secret, and many times, they were shut down before they even started.

But perhaps his greatest struggles were physical and personal. Years of fighting took a toll on his body. Broken knuckles, fractured ribs, deep cuts, and head injuries were all part of his daily life. He was a warrior, but even warriors feel pain.

He also faced betrayals and threats from within his own world. Some men were envious of his status, and there were many who wanted to see him fall—not just in the ring, but in life. He had to constantly watch his back, knowing that even a so-called friend could turn into an enemy.

Yet through all this, Bartley remained true to his code. He never backed down from a fight, never refused a challenge, and always fought with honor.

😢The Final Years

By the late 1990s, the world of bare-knuckle fighting had changed. Many of the great underground fighters had either retired or been forced into professional boxing. Bartley, now in his mid-50s, knew that his time as the champion was coming to an end.

Instead of fighting, he began training young fighters, passing down the knowledge he had gathered over decades of battle. He also began work on his autobiography, titled “King of the Gypsies.” In the book, he told his life story in raw detail—his fights, his struggles, and his thoughts on what it meant to be a true fighting man.

However, years of relentless fighting had taken a toll on his body. In 2002, Bartley Gorman passed away at the age of 57. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lived on.

The Legend Lives On

Even today, Bartley Gorman’s name is spoken with reverence in the world of bare-knuckle boxing. His story has inspired modern fighters, both professional and underground. Some of the biggest names in boxing, including Tyson Fury, have cited him as a major influence.

His legacy also lives on in the resurgence of bare-knuckle boxing, which has gained mainstream attention in recent years. Many fighters today look back at Bartley as the last of the true warriors, a man who fought not for fame, but for honor.

The Last True Warrior

Bartley Gorman was more than just a fighter—he was a symbol of toughness, honor, and resilience. He lived by a simple code: never back down, never refuse a challenge, and always fight with pride.

In a world that increasingly favors rules and regulations, Bartley stood as a reminder of a time when men settled their differences with their fists.

Though he is gone, his legend will never fade. The Original Bare-Knuckle Gypsy King will always be remembered as one of the toughest men to ever step into the ring.

LETS NEVER FORGET