Lee Selby, a former featherweight world champion, has officially signed a deal with BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, marking his return to competition after a four-year hiatus. The 38-year-old Welsh boxer had an illustrious career, during which he held the featherweight title for three years until his retirement in 2018. Selby stated his intent to pursue a bare-knuckle boxing world title, emphasizing his excitement for this new challenge in a sport he describes as "the original, no-filter version of boxing."

Selby's transition into bare-knuckle boxing is part of a broader trend where seasoned boxers are exploring this more raw and unrestrained format. He joins the ranks of other notable fighters, such as James DeGale, who has also made the switch and debuted last year. This shift not only highlights the growing popularity of bare-knuckle boxing but also raises questions about the future trajectory and appeal of traditional boxing in light of such developments.

As Selby embarks on this new journey, he aims to leverage his extensive experience and technical skills honed over years in gloved boxing. He expresses a clear ambition to win another world title in this alternative discipline, a goal that serves as both a personal challenge and a testament to his enduring competitiveness in the boxing world. The announcement is likely to garner significant attention in both boxing and combat sports circles as fans and pundits speculate on his potential success in this unique format.