World's wackiest contact sports – from 'gut barging' to 'gravy wrestling'

World's wackiest contact sports – from 'gut barging' to 'gravy wrestling',Power Slap sees contestants slapping their opponents with some wild outcomes - but it's not the only wacky sport that involves getting up close and personal with a rival

World’s wackiest contact sports – from ‘gut barging’ to ‘gravy wrestling’

It's got to be the weirdest activity around – the new “sport” of Power Slap.

We recently revealed how a top brain doctor has warned the contest, which sees competitors take turns whacking each other around the chops, is dangerous and could even be deadly.

Dr Bennet Omalu says the mixed martial arts activity is “dumb and unsafe.” But it’s not the only wacky contact sport around, as Daily Star Sport reveals…

READ MORE: Conor McGregor eyes Power Slap League role after offering tips on taking hits

Chess boxing

A bit of chess then a round of boxing - we're here for it — A bit of chess then a round of boxing – we're here for it (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

This sport packs a punch physically and mentally. Opponents face off in alternate bouts of chess and boxing, inside a ring, until one wins either by checkmate, knockout or on points. It began in Berlin in 2003 and has now spread globally. England even has its own champ in heavyweight Cameron Little.

What's your favourite sport? Let us know in the comments section below

Gut barging

The ancient West Country sport of gut barging sees two contestants try to push each other off a 12ft by 8ft mat using only their bellies! Contestant David White, otherwise known as Mad Maurice Vanderkirkoff, from Trowbridge, holds the record for the heaviest contestant to weigh in with a tummy of 54inches. Contests have even been held in London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Medieval combat

HMB, standing for Historical Medieval Battles, is a combat sport where players use Middle Ages-style steel weapons such as swords and axes, albeit ones that are blunt. They wear armour for the individual and team bouts, but can strike any part of the body.

Shin kicking

Dating back to 1612, this leg-endary pastime involves two competitors holding on to their opponent’s collar and kicking them in the shins, until they are forced to the ground. The world championships are held annually part of the Cotswold Olimpick Games in Gloucestershire.

Calcio Storico

This brutal 16th century sport from Florence, Italy, combines elements of football, rugby and wrestling. It involves two teams of 27, with everything from headbutting to elbowing allowed as the players go in pursuit of the ball and score goals. The winning side gets a pure-bred cow.

Ear pulling

A traditional Inuit contest held at the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics. It’s basically a tug of war where two contestants have a 2ft piece of string put round each of their ears and pulled. The winner is the one that can withstand the pain the longest.

Shrovetide football

A game played every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday in Ashbourne, Derbys, where two teams form a huge mass scrum as they try to get hold of a large ball and score in goals which are three miles apart. It’s said matches were historically played with a severed head.

Bo-taoshi

A capture the flag-style game from Japan with teams of 150. The sides are split into attackers and defenders and players have to hurl themselves at each other while aiming to bring down the other team’s upright pole. It gets so rough players have to wear headgear.

Gravy wrestling

Things definitely get saucy in Stacksteads, Lancs, where the World Gravy Wrestling Championships are held each summer. Bouts take place in a pool of cold gravy, with male and female trophies up for grabs and judges picking the winners. Drowning is banned.