“One punch in the nose and Zap! Back he goes!!”
Released by Hasbro in 1973, Knuckle Busters was a fast-paced tabletop boxing game for two players aged 6 to 12.
Similar in spirit to Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots, it featured two opposing boxers that players could make punch, rock, and dodge by squeezing and releasing control handles. A clean hit to the nose sent the losing fighter toppling backward in defeat.
Each round continued until one boxer was knocked down, with players typically competing through ten or fifteen rounds to determine the match winner. The set also included the Knuckle Busters Fight Sounds record, which could be played at 33 RPM for slower bouts or 45 RPM for faster action.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Boxers and bases are prone to surface wear from play, and the cords can weaken or break over time. Look for examples that include the original and playable 45 RPM record.
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