Lee Selby Returns to Combat Sports: A Bare Knuckle Debut
Former IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby is swapping padded gloves for bare knuckles. The Welsh boxer, who retired from traditional boxing in 2022, has signed with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). According to reports from The Mirror, Selby has explained his decision to come out of retirement for this unconventional move. While the full transcript of his explanation wasn't available in the source material, the headline alone signals a major shift in how retired boxers view their second acts.
Selby joins a growing list of former mainstream boxing champions who have migrated to BKFC. James DeGale, the former IBF super middleweight champion, is also fighting on the same card. And in a bizarre twist, controversial influencer Andrew Tate is set to face Chase DeMoor on the same night. The event is scheduled for [date not specified in source], and fans are eagerly awaiting the start times, which The Mirror covered in a separate article. This triple header of ex-boxers and internet personalities shows that BKFC is no longer a fringe curiosity — it's becoming a legitimate landing pad for combat sports stars.
The Big Names Headlining BKFC's Latest Card
Let's break down the key fighters involved. Lee Selby (28 wins, 3 losses in boxing) was a technically gifted boxer known for his slick movement and sharp jab. He won the IBF featherweight title in 2015 by outpointing Evgeny Gradovich, and defended it twice before losing to Josh Warrington in 2018. After a couple of lacklustre fights, he hung up the gloves at 35. Now, at 37, he's back — but without the gloves.
James DeGale (25 wins, 3 losses) is a 2012 Olympic gold medalist who unified the IBF and IBO super middleweight titles. He retired in 2019 after a tough loss to Jack, but the lure of the BKFC ring proved irresistible. The Mirror ran a guide on "what time is James DeGale fight tonight", confirming his participation. DeGale has long been known for his awkward southpaw style and granite chin — attributes that could serve him well in bare knuckle.
Then there's Andrew Tate, the former kickboxer turned social media phenomenon. Tate is no stranger to combat sports — he was a four-time world champion in kickboxing — but his decision to fight Chase DeMoor (a former collegiate American football player and influencer) seems driven more by spectacle than sport. The Mirror quoted Tate explaining "exactly why he chose to fight Chase DeMoor", though the quote itself was not scraped. Still, the juxtaposition of legitimate champions like Selby and DeGale with a pop culture figure like Tate highlights BKFC's dual strategy: appeal to hardcore fight fans and casual viewers alike.
Why Former Boxing Champions Are Turning to Bare Knuckle
It's a question worth asking: why trade the safety of padded gloves for a sport where a single punch can split skin and end a career? For many ex-boxers, the answer is financial. Boxing purses peak at the top, but retirement often means a sharp drop in income. BKFC offers competitive paydays — some reports suggest top fighters can earn six figures per bout. For Selby and DeGale, who never reached the mega-fight level of Anthony Joshua or Canelo Álvarez, a BKFC payday might be too good to pass up.
But it's not just about money. There's a psychological pull that many fighters struggle to ignore. The adrenaline, the crowd, the feeling of being in shape and in control — retirement can feel like a slow death. Bare knuckle offers a new challenge, a way to experience that rush again without the rigours of a full boxing training camp. And let's be honest: there's a certain machismo in saying you fought without gloves. It's a different kind of credibility.
Historical context matters. Bare knuckle boxing was the original form of the sport, popular in 18th and 19th century England before the Marquess of Queensberry rules introduced gloves. For decades it was illegal in most jurisdictions. The modern resurgence, led by BKFC since its founding in 2018, has brought it into the mainstream. States like Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama now sanction events. The appeal is raw, primal, and — for fighters like Selby — a chance to rewrite their legacy.
Beyond the Hype: The Risks and Rewards of BKFC
Bare knuckle fighting is not just boxing without gloves. The rules differ significantly. Fights are conducted in a "squared circle" rather than a traditional ring. There are no standing eight counts, and knockdowns are judged differently. The lack of wraps and gloves means punches land with less mass but more cutting force. Facial lacerations are common, and hand fractures are a real risk. However, BKFC uses a 1kg weight class gap between heavier divisions to reduce mismatches.
For Selby and DeGale, the transition from gloved boxing to bare knuckle is not automatic. The punching technique changes: you cannot throw with the same reckless abandon because you'll break your hand. Instead, fighters aim for the softer parts of the face (eyes, nose, mouth) and rely on precise, straight punches. Both men have the boxing IQ to adapt, but it's still a gamble. If Selby loses his debut, it could tarnish his boxing legacy. If he wins, he becomes a pioneer of a new era.
Andrew Tate's involvement adds another layer: the intersection of combat sports and influencer culture. Tate has millions of followers, many of whom will tune in to watch him fight. This brings eyeballs to BKFC, which benefits every fighter on the card. But it also dilutes the seriousness of the sport. A Tate vs DeMoor fight could be a genuine contest — both have athletic backgrounds — but the narrative is more about personality than pugilism. For purists, this is either a necessary evil or a sellout.
What This Means For You: The State of Combat Sports in 2025
So what should you, the fight fan, take away from this? First, bare knuckle is here to stay. BKFC has secured a foothold in the combat sports landscape, and the influx of former champions like Selby and DeGale legitimises it. If you've been dismissing BKFC as a sideshow, it's time to pay attention. The next generation of fighters may skip traditional boxing altogether and head straight for bare knuckle, especially if the money continues to improve.
Second, evaluate the risks for fighters you admire. Selby and DeGale are putting their long-term health on the line. After years of absorbing head trauma in boxing, adding bare-knuckle fights — where punches to the head are even more damaging due to lack of glove cushioning — could accelerate cognitive decline. As a viewer, you have a responsibility to consume these fights critically. Don't just cheer for knockouts; understand the cost.
Third, consider the entertainment value. The BKFC card featuring Selby, DeGale, and Tate is a genuine event. The mix of sporting legitimacy and chaotic online culture creates a unique viewing experience. Whether you watch live or catch the highlights, this is a cultural moment worth noting. If you're a boxing fan, use it to reflect on how the sport is evolving. If you're new to combat sports, this is a gateway into a world that spans from Olympic gold to viral fame.
Closing Thoughts: A New Chapter for Selby, a Growing League for Everyone
Lee Selby's decision to come out of retirement for bare-knuckle fighting is not just a personal choice — it's a bellwether for the entire combat sports industry. BKFC is carving out a niche that sits between professional boxing, MMA, and spectacle entertainment. It offers retired boxers a second career, gives influencers a platform, and provides fans with a product that's raw and unpredictable. The risks are real, but so are the rewards.
As the fight night approaches, all eyes will be on the BKFC ring. Will Selby's slick boxing translate to bare knuckles? Will DeGale recapture his Olympic glory? And will Andrew Tate actually deliver a memorable performance, or just more controversy? These questions make this card one of the most intriguing of the year. For Selby, this is more than a comeback — it's a reinvention. And for fight fans, it's another reminder that combat sports never stay still. They evolve, they mutate, and sometimes they go back to their roots. Bare knuckle is that evolution. Whether you love it or hate it, you can't ignore it.
