Ep 2. Spud
- July 11, 2009
Danny Dyer's Deadliest Men is a British documentary television series that explores the lives of some of the most dangerous men in the United Kingdom. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Spud", the focus is on Stephen "Spud" Murphy, a notorious bare-knuckle fighter from the gypsy community.
Spud was born and raised in Ireland, and from a young age, he was exposed to the culture of bare-knuckle fighting that was prevalent in his community. Growing up, he learned to fight as a means of self-defense, but it soon became clear that he had a natural talent for it. As Spud got older, he started to travel around the UK and Ireland, taking part in illegal bare-knuckle fights for money.
The episode begins with Danny Dyer meeting Spud in his caravan in Ireland. Spud is initially wary of Danny's presence, but he soon warms up to him and starts to tell him about his life. Spud talks about his family and his community, and he explains how the tradition of bare-knuckle fighting has been passed down from generation to generation.
Danny then travels with Spud to a bare-knuckle fighting event in England. As they drive there, Spud talks about the rules of the fights and the culture that surrounds it. When they arrive, Danny meets some of Spud's fellow fighters, who are all from the Irish gypsy community. They all express their respect for Spud, who they view as one of the best fighters in the community.
The fights themselves are brutal and intense, with no gloves or protective equipment allowed. Spud takes part in one of the fights and wins decisively, showcasing his skill and toughness. Danny watches on in awe, noting how the crowd reacts to the fights and the sense of pride that the fighters have in their tradition.
Throughout the episode, Spud also talks about the darker side of the bare-knuckle fighting world. He recounts stories of fights that have gone wrong and the danger that fighters face every time they step into the ring. Spud also talks about how the sport has been tarnished by criminal elements, with gangsters and drug dealers using it as a way to make money.
Despite the risks, Spud remains dedicated to bare-knuckle fighting, seeing it as a way of life and a way to provide for his family. He talks about how he wants to pass on the tradition to his own children and how he hopes that the sport can be made more legitimate and safer in the future.
The episode ends with Danny saying goodbye to Spud and reflecting on what he has learned about the bare-knuckle fighting world. He expresses his admiration for the fighters who are willing to risk everything for their sport, and he acknowledges the complexity of the issues surrounding it.
Overall, "Spud" is a fascinating episode that provides an in-depth look at a unique and controversial subculture in the UK. It is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the lives of some of the deadliest men in the country, and it offers a glimpse into a world that few people outside of it ever get to see.
