Head bumping
 | This article needs attention from an expert in Sweden. The specific problem is: The cited article from The Austin Daily Herald claims this is an ancient sport from Scandinavia. The redefining of this as an early 20th century sport appears to be original research. The historicity of the article is questionable.. (August 2026) |
Head bumping, also known as skull fighting, was a supposed minor sport during the early 20th century.
Overview
[edit]In a January 13, 1927, article in the Austin Daily Herald, University of Minnesota athlete Leif Strand said he was proficient in the Scandinavian sport of skull-fighting, in which "participants, after becoming fiercely angry at one another glare steadily for about ten seconds, draw in their necks, and then shoot out their heads like a couple of pistons."[1] He declined to exhibit the sport as he could not find anyone to skull-fight.[1] Fellow University of Minnesota athlete Emil Iverson, originally from Denmark, said he had witnessed many skullfights among Scandinavian sailors.[1] Later that month, Strand was challenged by the supposed world head-bumping champion Johnny Carmody, whose assistant manager Jack Downey claimed that the sport originated in Ireland, not Scandinavia.[2] Carmody had supposedly head-bumped in Russia, Japan, Turkey, China, Abyssinia, Kaffirland, and Ireland.[2] Downey said that Carmody had fractured the skull of Matsadu Sorokichi in Tokyo, and broken the neck of the "skull-bumping" champion of Zululand.[2]
Bud Jenkins, the claimed Pennsylvania champion, challenged Carmody in January 1927.[3] Jenkins' manager, J. V. Hannigan stated "I have affidavits from eminent specialists claiming my man has the thickest skull in America."[3] Jenkins said the "sport" was of Welsh origin.[3]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 "Gopher Star A Skull-Fighter But Refuses To Demonstrate". The Austin Daily Herald. January 13, 1927. p. 6. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Head Bumping Defi Accepted". The Herald Statesman. January 24, 1927. p. 12. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Desire To Bump Heads For Title". The Berkshire Eagle. January 27, 1927. p. 14. Retrieved 12 August 2026.