Been cock fights in Mexico. Blades were tied with dental floss to the spurs above the ankle, facing down and backwards. They actually had a respected third party handicap the upcoming bout, by giving the perceived underdog a larger blade. Last thing they do is pierce a lime over each blade to remove any poison cheat. Then the birds are held face to face while plucking out neck feathers to get them worked up. Fights are generally quick, much betting involved. Interesting side memory, if a chicken turns from fight, it’s over and the owner instantly kills the bird for its lack of courage. I think that was the hardest part to watch.