Former IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby has transitioned to bareknuckle boxing, signing a four-fight contract with the promotion BKB. The 39-year-old Welsh fighter, who retired in 2022, will make his debut on June 26 in Cardiff against Antonio Rizzo.
Selby admits that financial incentives played a significant role in his decision, noting that he initially rejected the promotion’s offers until the compensation reached an acceptable level. Despite past professional successes, including winning British, Commonwealth, and European titles, Selby explains that his background growing up in a family reliant on benefits makes it difficult to turn down lucrative fighting opportunities.
Beyond finances, Selby cites a search for purpose following his retirement. He contends that bareknuckle boxing is simply a more authentic version of the sport, arguing that the lack of gloves does not necessarily increase danger because the shorter round structure results in fewer cumulative impacts to the head. His brother, former Olympian Andrew Selby, has also signed with BKB, joining his sibling in the organization’s unique three-sided ring, the Trigon.
While critics and organizations like Headway have labeled the sport hazardous, promoters hope that bringing in established champions will grant the sport greater legitimacy. Selby has expressed a clear ambition: to win a world title in this discipline, aiming to retire as a champion both with and without gloves.
