Yeah, we’ve never heard of it either…but apparently it’s a thing in Louisiana.
Louisiana state lawmakers are looking to strengthen their ban on cockfighting. During floor debate, Republican Sen. Elbert Guillory said the proposed law would hurt people involved in “chicken boxing,” which is reportedly a more humane version of the blood sport.
Chicken boxing, the Republican explained, is a sport where the combatants don “gloves” instead of barbaric blades used in cockfights that end in the death of a chicken. Guillory wanted to make sure that laws aimed at ending cockfighting did not also ban what he considers a more humane version.
“Leather spur covers and plastic spur covers, um, that are used in the legitimate sport of chicken boxing might be considered paraphernalia,” Guillory reportedly told the chamber.
Guillory then explained the distinction between cockfighting and chicken boxing, claiming the latter was not a blood sport and should not be illegal.Â
“Just as dueling is a blood sport, two men fighting each other with swords is a blood sport that is illegal,” Guillory reportedly said. “Similarly, two men with boxing gloves on can box each other as a sport that is legal. This is the same distinction between chicken boxing and cockfighting.”
