Why a world champion boxer has gone bareknuckle

Lee Selby, the former IBF featherweight boxing champion, announced his transition to bareknuckle boxing on March 15, 2024, citing a desire for a more "raw" and "exciting" fighting experience. Selby, who retired from professional boxing in 2021 with a record of 28 wins and 3 losses, stated in an interview that the traditional sport had become too "sanitised" and that he missed the "danger" and "aggression" inherent in bareknuckle fighting. He believes the absence of gloves in bareknuckle boxing leads to more definitive knockouts and a higher level of skill demonstration, as fighters must rely on precise technique and defence to avoid injury. Selby's first bareknuckle bout is scheduled for May 2024 under the banner of a prominent bareknuckle boxing promotion, though the specific opponent and venue are yet to be confirmed. He expressed confidence in his ability to adapt his boxing skills to the new discipline, noting that his footwork and defensive capabilities would be key advantages. The move has generated significant interest within the combat sports community, with some observers questioning the long-term physical toll of bareknuckle fighting compared to gloved boxing, while others praise Selby's courage and commitment to a more traditional form of pugilism.