fisticuffs

noun[plural only]2

1. •
   (informal) An impromptu fight with the fists, usually between only two people.

   • People who share a cell in the Basti[l]le […] if they do not immediately fall to fisticuffs, will find some possible ground of compromise. — 1881
2. •
   (old-fashioned) Bare-knuckled boxing, a form of boxing done without boxing gloves or similar padding.

   • In his college days of athletic exercises, Mr. Crisparkle had known professors of the Noble Art of fisticuffs, […] — 1870