Prize fighting was illegal, though popular with the refined classes, like cock-fighting. The Punchbowl looks like it might feeder events that toffs would bet on.

That it was bare knuckle is accurate, and this did have the advantage of minimizing the percentage of head blows. Gloves were a 'reform' that sadly has resulted in more brain injury.

Sport was 'properly' the realm of moneyed amateurs.