Lee Selby reveals money talks in bareknuckle boxing switch

Lee Selby has confirmed he accepted a bareknuckle boxing contract after promoters met his price. The former IBF featherweight world champion told BBC Sport that financial terms drove his decision to enter the sport.

“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 walked away from traditional boxing gloves following a career that saw him win a world title at featherweight. Bareknuckle boxing has attracted several retired champions in recent years, offering purses that rival or exceed those available in conventional promotions. The Welshman's move follows a pattern of veteran fighters taking lucrative deals in the alternative format.

What it moves

Selby's admission that he turned down multiple offers before accepting a higher figure underscores the negotiating power fighters hold when bareknuckle organisations compete for recognisable names. His willingness to enter the sport purely for financial reasons may prompt other former champions to explore similar opportunities. The next step will be confirming his opponent and debut date.

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