The rhythmic, percussive symphony of fists meeting flesh and canvas is the unmistakable calling card of the Lawtown Boxing Gym in Lawrence. Tucked away in the echoing basement of a former mill, this industrial relic has been repurposed into a crucible where raw power and unwavering determination are forged. It’s here, amidst the scent of sweat and the clang of the bell, that Haverhill native Harry Gigliotti, known in the ring as "The Hitman," hones his craft for a monumental Saturday night at Fenway Park. He’s set to be a headliner for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s (BKFC) inaugural event in Massachusetts, a stage that resonates with the echoes of historical combat sports.
Inside the gym, championship belts, testament to past triumphs, are casually draped over a pipe suspended above the intimate fighting space. A well-worn "Rocky" poster, a nod to cinematic boxing lore, gazes down upon the ropes, a silent witness to the relentless training. In early August, Gigliotti, a 31-year-old fighter clad in vibrant green Celtics shorts and a dark Led Zeppelin t-shirt, commands this space. While he greets everyone with a warm demeanor and a playful jab outside the ring, "The Hitman" persona takes over when the competition looms.
This dual nature was on full display during a pre-fight press conference last month, where Gigliotti verbally sparred with his opponent, the reigning BKFC featherweight champion, "King" Kai Stewart. In a moment of controlled aggression, Gigliotti declared, "I’mma out jab you. I’mma outwork you. I’mma hit you with every angle. You’ve never seen anything at this pedigree. You’re not even on my level." This blend of bravado and skill epitomizes the modern combat sports spectacle.
Gigliotti’s foray into bare-knuckle boxing isn’t merely a career choice; it’s a continuation of a deeply ingrained family legacy. "All my family… prior to this was just boxers," he explained. "I’ve kind of created my own name, my own path. So, it’s cool to be able to have the torch passed down to me, but also create my own thing." This sentiment underscores a profound respect for his predecessors while asserting his own distinct identity in the brutal, yet captivating, world of bare-knuckle fighting.
Massachusetts boasts a rich history of producing formidable fighters, both with and without gloves. The legendary John L. Sullivan, affectionately known as "the Boston Strong Boy," was the last bare-knuckle heavyweight champion of his era, a testament to the region’s fighting spirit dating back to the 1800s. The BKFC, revitalized the sport in 2018, bringing sanctioned bare-knuckle contests back to the United States for the first time since the late 19th century. Currently, bare-knuckle fighting is legally recognized in over 30 states, with Massachusetts officially approving BKFC events following a June meeting of its Athletic Commission.
Gigliotti, who transitioned from traditional gloved boxing to the raw intensity of bare-knuckle, enters his Fenway Park bout with a formidable record. He boasts six previous BKFC appearances and remains undefeated in the bare-knuckle discipline. The rules of BKFC are starkly different: no gloves are permitted, and hand wraps are restricted to within an inch of the knuckle, demanding a different kind of precision and resilience. Fighters engage within the BKFC’s signature circular ring, aptly named the "Squared Circle."
The strategy in bare-knuckle fighting involves a nuanced understanding of impact and anatomy. "Pretty much anything bone to bone where there’s a lot of – cheek bone, forehead, stuff like that up there," Gigliotti elaborated on the target areas. "You squeeze down, you break your hands quick. Especially when people duck their heads down, you punch the top of their head, you’re in for a long night after that." This intimate knowledge of the human form and the mechanics of striking is crucial for survival and success.
The presence of a local fighter like Gigliotti achieving such a prominent platform at Fenway serves as a powerful inspiration for the younger generation at Lawtown Boxing. Tony Pelletier, a trainer at the gym, views Gigliotti as a "beacon showing the kids: ‘Look, there’s no limit to how high you can go if you have the work ethic, and you have the talent, and you’re willing to put in the work.’" Victor Sanchez, a young boxer who sparred with Gigliotti during a recent visit by GBH News, echoed this sentiment, stating, "In him, I see new things that if I stay working enough, I can be like him in the future." Sanchez receives coaching in both English and Spanish, highlighting the gym’s diverse and supportive environment.
Gigliotti’s journey is deeply intertwined with his family’s fighting lineage. His cousin, Jeff Fraza, a contestant on the reality television series "The Contender," was a significant influence. "I looked at him as like a superhero," Gigliotti recalled. Tragically, Jeff Fraza passed away in 2012 at the age of 34, never witnessing Harry’s current ascent. His grandfather, Norman Fraza, a fighter himself in his younger days, now in his 90s, remains a steadfast supporter. "I always talk to Harry right before every fight," Norman shared. "We talk over things. … He’s my boy."
The inherent risks of bare-knuckle fighting are not lost on Gigliotti. In the lead-up to a bout, he admits to experiencing nerves, contemplating the "what ifs," the fear of injury, and the profound responsibility of the combat. "But, when that bell rings, you’ll do anything for the win, I mean there’s no doubt about it. And I know that he has the same mindset," he asserted, referring to his opponent.
The fight takes place against a backdrop of growing scientific understanding regarding the long-term neurological consequences of repeated head trauma, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). At 31, Gigliotti acknowledges the finite nature of his fighting career, estimating he has perhaps another decade of competition left if he maintains good health. This makes the opportunity to headline at Fenway Park, a venue steeped in sporting history, an exceptionally significant moment. "This is everything to me, this fight. This means the most to me," Gigliotti declared. "So, this is the big one – and Kai Stewart’s in front of me, and he’s the guy I have to take out to get that belt." The fight represents not just a personal ambition, but a chance to etch his name into the annals of Massachusetts combat sports history.
