DeGale Announces Bare-knuckle Debut, Returns to Combat Sports
Table of Contents
- 1. DeGale Announces Bare-knuckle Debut, Returns to Combat Sports
- 2. A Return After Retirement
- 3. Ups and Downs of a championship Career
- 4. Opponent Profile: Matt Floyd
- 5. The Rise of Bare-Knuckle Fighting
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about James DeGale’s Return
- 7. What specific adjustments will James DeGale need to make to his defensive strategy to account for the increased risk of cuts and broken bones in bare-knuckle boxing compared to customary boxing?
- 8. James DeGale’s Bare-Knuckle Boxing Debut: What You Need to Know
- 9. From Super Middleweight Champion to Bare-Knuckle Contender
- 10. DeGale’s Boxing Career: A Recap
- 11. The Allure of Bare-Knuckle Boxing: Why the Shift?
- 12. What to Expect from DeGale in the Bare-Knuckle Ring
- 13. Potential Opponents and Future prospects
Former Professional Boxing Champion James DeGale is stepping back into the combat sports arena, but this time without gloves. The 39-year-old londoner announced he will make his bare-knuckle fighting debut on September 27th in Manchester.
DeGale, who retired from traditional boxing in 2019 following a unanimous decision loss to chris Eubank Jr., will be facing Australian fighter Matt Floyd in a bout sanctioned by the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship at the AO Arena.
A Return After Retirement
The announcement was made via DeGale’s Instagram account,where he boldly proclaimed,”UK I’m back. This time the gloves are off.” He further stated that after seven years away from competition, his body is fully recovered adn his mind is sharper than ever, promising a “demolition job.”
DeGale’s career achievements include a historic Olympic gold medal win at the 2008 Beijing Games, making him the first british boxer to achieve both Olympic and professional world championship status. He secured the IBF super-middleweight title in May 2015 with a points victory over Andre Dirrell.
Ups and Downs of a championship Career
Though he later lost and regained the IBF title,ultimately vacating it in 2018,DeGale’s professional career was marked by both triumph and challenge.Following his defeat to Eubank Jr., he expressed a feeling of decline in his abilities, prompting his initial retirement. The decision to return to combat sports, albeit in a diffrent discipline, signals a renewed determination.
Opponent Profile: Matt Floyd
Floyd, aged 36, brings a professional boxing record of 15 wins and 2 losses to the upcoming fight. Hailing from Perth,Australia,Floyd has a complex background. Reports indicate he was previously involved with gangs and served time in prison, and he was also linked to a potential bout against British fighter Tommy Fury earlier this year.
Bare-knuckle fighting has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, attracting both established combat sports athletes and newcomers seeking a different kind of challenge. The sport’s appeal lies in its raw,unfiltered nature,providing a stark contrast to the more regulated environment of traditional boxing.
Did you Know? Bare-knuckle boxing has roots stretching back to ancient Greece and Rome, but its modern iteration gained traction in the 19th century, before being outlawed.
| Fighter | Age | nationality | Record (boxing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| James DeGale | 39 | British | N/A – Retired |
| Matt Floyd | 36 | Australian | 15 Wins, 2 Losses |
This bout represents a significant shift for DeGale, testing his adaptability and resilience in a new and unforgiving arena. Will his Olympic pedigree and experience translate to success in the world of bare-knuckle fighting?
What impact will DeGale’s entry have on the sport’s growing popularity? Do you think more established boxers will follow suit and make the switch to bare-knuckle fighting?
The Rise of Bare-Knuckle Fighting
The resurgence of bare-knuckle fighting is part of a broader trend in combat sports, witnessing increased interest in more primal and less regulated forms of competition. organizations like the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) have capitalized on a desire for a more visceral and authentic spectacle.
while safety concerns remain a paramount consideration, with stricter medical protocols and regulations being implemented, the sport continues to attract a dedicated following. This speaks to a growing appetite for combat sports that prioritize grit, determination, and unfiltered action.As of late 2023,the BKFC had held over 30 events,with Pay-Per-View buys steadily increasing,demonstrating a clear market demand. BKFC Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions about James DeGale’s Return
- What is James DeGale’s background in boxing? James DeGale is a former Olympic gold medalist and IBF super-middleweight champion.
- Who is James DeGale fighting in his bare-knuckle debut? He will be facing Australian fighter Matt Floyd.
- why did James degale retire from boxing? He stated he felt he was no longer the fighter he once was after a loss to Chris Eubank Jr.
- What is the appeal of bare-knuckle fighting? The sport offers a more raw and unfiltered combat experience compared to traditional boxing.
- Where will the fight take place? The bout is scheduled to be held at the AO Arena in Manchester.
- What is Matt Floyd’s fighting experience? Floyd has a professional boxing record of 15 wins and 2 losses.
- Could DeGale’s Olympic experience help him in bare knuckle fighting? His discipline and training from Olympic boxing could translate to success in this new format.
What specific adjustments will James DeGale need to make to his defensive strategy to account for the increased risk of cuts and broken bones in bare-knuckle boxing compared to customary boxing?
James DeGale’s Bare-Knuckle Boxing Debut: What You Need to Know
From Super Middleweight Champion to Bare-Knuckle Contender
Former IBF and WBC super middleweight champion James DeGale is set to make his highly anticipated debut in the world of bare-knuckle boxing. The announcement, confirmed in August 2025, marks a notable shift in the 38-year-old’s career, sparking considerable interest amongst boxing fans and the broader combat sports community. This move follows a period of inactivity for DeGale, raising questions about his motivations and potential success in this brutal discipline. Fans are eager to see how his skillset translates to the raw, unforgiving nature of bare-knuckle fighting.
DeGale’s Boxing Career: A Recap
James DeGale boasts a professional boxing record of 26 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. His crowning achievements include:
IBF Super Middleweight Title (2015-2017): A defining moment, defeating Andre Dirrell to claim the title.
WBC Super Middleweight Title (2017): Unified the titles with a victory over Badou Jack.
Olympic Gold Medal (2008): Representing Great Britain at the Beijing Olympics, securing a gold medal in the middleweight division.
Despite his successes, DeGale faced challenges in recent years, including losses to Callum Smith and Chris Eubank Jr. These setbacks, coupled with injuries, led to a period away from the ring, ultimately paving the way for his transition to bare-knuckle boxing. His boxing pedigree, including his renowned jab and defensive skills, will be key assets in his new venture.
The Allure of Bare-Knuckle Boxing: Why the Shift?
Bare-knuckle boxing has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, largely driven by promotions like the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Several former professional boxers have made the switch, attracted by factors such as:
financial Opportunities: BKFC frequently enough offers lucrative contracts, particularly to established names.
New Challenges: The raw, unfiltered nature of bare-knuckle boxing presents a different kind of test for fighters.
Fan Engagement: The spectacle of bare-knuckle fighting appeals to a specific audience seeking a more visceral experience.
DeGale himself has cited a desire for a new challenge and the opportunity to prove himself in a different arena as key reasons for his decision. He’s expressed excitement about the freedom and intensity of the sport, contrasting it with the more regulated environment of traditional boxing.
What to Expect from DeGale in the Bare-Knuckle Ring
Transitioning from boxing to bare-knuckle boxing isn’t seamless. Fighters must adapt to several key differences:
Hand Protection: The absence of gloves considerably increases the risk of cuts and broken bones.
Rounds: BKFC bouts typically consist of five two-minute rounds, a faster pace than traditional boxing.
Rules: While some rules are similar,bare-knuckle boxing generally allows for more aggressive clinching and grappling.
DeGale’s boxing skills – footwork, ring IQ, and punching accuracy – will be valuable. However, he’ll need to develop a higher pain tolerance and adapt his defensive strategies to mitigate the increased risk of damage. Expect him to utilize his jab effectively to control distance and set up power punches. His conditioning will also be crucial, given the faster pace of bare-knuckle rounds.
Potential Opponents and Future prospects
While DeGale’s first opponent hasn’t been officially announced as of August 24, 2025, speculation is rife. Potential matchups include:
Pauli Malignaggi: A former boxing champion who has found success in BKFC.
Dan Hardy: A former UFC fighter who has transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing.
Other Experienced BKFC Fighters: The BKFC roster is filled with seasoned veterans of both boxing and MMA.
DeGale’s success in bare-knuckle boxing will depend on his ability to adapt and overcome the
