James DeGale is set to make his debut in bare-knuckle boxing on Saturday night.
The history-making former world champion and Olympic gold medalist boxer will take off the gloves for a fight with Matty Floyd at BKFC 81 in Manchester, England.
James DeGale will fight for the first time since losing a unanimous decision to Chris Eubank Jr. in February 2019.
The 39-year-old retired from professional boxing with a 25–3–1 record, which included famous wins over Paul Smith Jr., Lucian Bute, Andre Dirrell, and Caleb Truax.
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James DeGale’s famous fight with Badou Jack
James DeGale will be most remembered for his super middleweight unification fight with Badou Jack.
Both boxers scored knockdowns as they battled to a bloody 12-round majority draw in January 2017.
DeGale was left covered in cuts, blood, bumps, and bruises, but he kept his 168lb IBF world title.
The worst of his injuries came in round eight when Jack knocked his mouthpiece out with an uppercut.
Slow-motion replays showed that DeGale’s two front teeth had also been dislodged by the hellacious punch.
After suffering catastrophic facial injuries against an opponent wearing 12oz gloves, we can only imagine how bad DeGale will look if his fight with Matty Floyd is even slightly competitive.
Conor McGregor eyes BKFC move
James DeGale’s new boss hopes to follow in his footsteps by fighting in BKFC at some point.
UFC superstar Conor McGregor is a part-owner of the fledgling bare-knuckle boxing company.
‘Notorious’ is currently in talks to make his eagerly anticipated comeback at the UFC White House card in June 2026.
After that, the 37-year-old Irishman guarantees that he’ll take off the gloves to fight for his promotion.
“I am 100% fighting bare knuckle,” McGregor tweeted on Thursday morning.
First things first, ‘Mystic Mac’ has got unfinished business with the UFC and lightweight veteran Michael Chandler.