Indiana Men Arrested for Running ‘Hillbilly Boxing’ Ring Where Minors Were Forced to Fight in a Metal Cage in Rural Field
SUNMAN, INDIANA — Two men have been arrested for allegedly running a backwoods “fight club” called Hillbilly Boxing, where teens — including minors as young as 14 — fought inside a makeshift metal cage set up in a rural field.
According to the Dearborn County Prosecutor’s Office, Nolan Roberts and Damien Foster are accused of promoting the underground fights without a required state gaming license. Authorities say videos posted online show several minors participating in violent brawls while adults stood by and cheered.
Prosecutors called the operation “disturbing” and said it highlighted serious gaps in Indiana’s law regarding unlicensed fighting events involving children.
“The videos online are very disturbing to say the least,” said Prosecutor Lynn Deddens. “They show young people, some of whom appear to be juveniles, engaging in brawls, sometimes with adults. At least one participant was a 14-year-old child.”
‘Hillbilly Boxing’ Discovered After YouTube Videos Surface
The investigation began after police received a tip from a local parent concerned about an eighth grader at East Central Middle School who appeared in one of the YouTube videos.
When officers interviewed the 14-year-old, the teen confirmed he had fought in the matches and suffered injuries during one of the bouts.
Detectives, working with the Indiana Gaming Commission, traced the events to a field in the Sunman area, where they found a metal cage still standing. Authorities said the fights were organized and filmed to be shared online under the “Hillbilly Boxing” name.
Illegal Promotion and Child Endangerment Concerns
Under Indiana law, any organized boxing or fighting event must have a gaming license ensuring safety protocols, medical supervision, and oversight by state regulators. Prosecutors say Roberts and Foster ignored all of those safeguards, allowing minors to fight without protection or training.
The pair are each charged with misdemeanor counts of promoting unlicensed fighting events, the strongest charges currently available under state law.
“Until the Indiana Legislature addresses the issue of unlicensed fights involving children, we will use the tools we do have to prosecute individuals involved in events of this nature to the fullest extent allowed by law,” Deddens said.
Videos Show Minors in Dangerous Fights
Authorities say at least eight separate videos of the Hillbilly Boxing matches were found on YouTube. They depict children and adults punching each other inside a crude ring, surrounded by spectators.
In one clip, a referee-like figure can be seen holding up the arm of a bruised participant while others shout encouragement from outside the cage.
Investigators said the setup lacked even basic safety measures — no gloves, no first aid, and no supervision.
Suspects Released on Bond
Both Roberts and Foster were arrested and later released on $5,000 bond each. Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 4 in Dearborn County Court.
Authorities say they are continuing to review digital evidence and interview potential witnesses to determine whether additional charges — including child endangerment or assault — might apply.
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