When did fist fighting (as opposed to dueling or brawling) become a socially acceptable way for 19th-20th century western men and boys to settle problems? And how did it fall from favor? As to the first part, I seem to recall reading that bare-knuckled boxing emerged in the 19th century as a way for gentlemen to settle disputes without the danger of a duel with sword or pistol. Is this right? And as the second, I get the impression that it remained culturally acceptable in the west for two men to engage in a "fair fight" until fairly recently: say, the last thirty or forty years. When did this begin to change and why?