Lee Selby accepted bareknuckle offer after promoter raised purse twice

Lee Selby has signed a bareknuckle boxing contract after declining two earlier offers, revealing the third bid met his price. The former IBF featherweight champion told BBC Sport the negotiations hinged entirely on money.

“They offered a great amount of money, which I declined. Then they offered more money, which I declined again, and finally they offered me enough to make me say yes. I'm a prize-fighter. I've fought my whole life. The prize is money. If the money's right, I'll fight.”

— Lee Selby, via BBC Sport

What Lee Selby said

Selby, who held the IBF featherweight title from 2015 to 2018, has not fought under traditional boxing rules since 2022. Bareknuckle promotions have targeted former world champions as the sport gains television exposure and sanctioning recognition. Selby's signing marks another crossover from gloved boxing to the bareknuckle circuit.

What it moves

The contract leaves Selby's next opponent and debut date unconfirmed. Bareknuckle promotions typically announce matchups closer to fight night, often pairing former titlists against each other. Selby's willingness to negotiate suggests he views bareknuckle as a viable payday rather than a retirement curiosity.

Source: bbc.com. Full Lee Selby fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.