Lee Selby accepts bareknuckle boxing deal after rejecting two offers

Lee Selby has signed a bareknuckle boxing contract after turning down two previous bids. The former IBF featherweight champion told BBC Sport the third offer convinced him to make the switch.

“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 belt from 2015 to 2018, has not fought under traditional boxing rules since 2021. Bareknuckle promotions have targeted former world champions as the sport expands in the UK, offering purses designed to lure veterans out of retirement.

What it moves

Selby's move follows a pattern of former titleholders crossing into bareknuckle. His willingness to negotiate through multiple offers suggests promoters are prepared to pay premium rates for recognised names. No opponent or date has been announced.

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