Lee Selby transitions to bareknuckle boxing ahead of June debut
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 3:55 AM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
Former IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby is set to make his bareknuckle boxing debut against Italy's Antonio Rizzo in Cardiff on June 26. Selby, who retired in 2022, explained his decision was influenced by financial incentives, stating, "If the money's right, I'll fight." Despite understanding the risks, he describes bareknuckle boxing as a stripped-back form of fighting and expresses a desire to regain purpose in the sport after two years away. His signing reflects a growing trend, as other former boxing champions also move into bareknuckle bouts.
- •Lee Selby signed a four-fight deal with BKB.
- •Bareknuckle debut against Antonio Rizzo occurs on June 26 in Cardiff.
- •Selby previously defended his IBF title four times before retiring.
- •Financial incentives played a key role in Selby's decision to fight.
- •Growing popularity of bareknuckle boxing since its U.S. sanctioning in 2018.
- 3:55 AMYahoo Sports — Why a world champion boxer has gone bareknuckle
- 3:55 AMBBC Sport — Why a world champion boxer has gone bareknuckle
"Former IBF featherweight boxing champion Lee Selby explains the reasons behind his decision to take up bareknuckle boxing.
"Former IBF featherweight boxing champion Lee Selby explains the reasons behind his decision to take up bareknuckle boxing.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 3:55 AMWhy a world champion boxer has gone bareknuckle
Former IBF featherweight boxing champion Lee Selby explains the reasons behind his decision to take up bareknuckle boxing.
- BBC SportJun 22, 2026, 3:55 AMWhy a world champion boxer has gone bareknuckle
Former IBF featherweight boxing champion Lee Selby explains the reasons behind his decision to take up bareknuckle boxing.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- Boxing•Jun 22, 2026, 5:49 AMWorld Cup group stage schedule for the week ahead
- Boxing•Jun 22, 2026, 4:07 AMWorld Cup 2026: Egypt storms past New Zealand to take control of Group G, set up potential knockout round match vs. USA
- Boxing•Jun 22, 2026, 3:34 AMUruguay struggles in first 2 matches as Suárez watches from the stands
- Boxing•Jun 22, 2026, 3:00 AMCape Verde already is the World Cup’s best story
- Boxing•Jun 22, 2026, 2:45 AMCollazo overwhelms late replacement Valdez, scores three knockdowns in second-round KO
BoxingBoxing•Jun 22, 2026, 2:02 AM'A special sort of magic': Punches thrown at fifth annual amateur boxing fight hosted at Brick West
