Bareknuckle Boxing in Madagascar

Moraingy

Bouts are a blur of fists, elbows, knees and feet punctuated by the thud of vicious slugs and the smack of bodies hitting the ground. Whirling blows are exchanged for longer than seems possible to withstand.

Haymakers, kicks and punches are landed, absorbed and countered with equal ferocity. The fighters, known as fagnorolahy, perform a violent dance until someone gives up or is knocked down, or the referee identifies a winner.

The sport of moraingy, a brutal mixed martial arts tradition in Madagascar, has become commercialized over the years, but at heart, it remains a reflection of local culture.