Former world super middleweight champion James DeGale has confirmed he will return to combat for the first time in six and a half years, WBN can confirm.
DeGale squares off against Matt Floyd under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship banner, following on from a highly debated exchange in the ring over the summer.
The 2008 Olympic gold medalist and ex-IBF titleholder, who last fought in February 2019 when losing to Chris Eubank Jr., shocked fans by revealing he would step into the circle on September 27.
In his comeback statement, DeGale wrote: “UK, I’m back and this time the gloves are off. Everyone is asking what version you’re getting. Seven years out, your body is healed, and your mind is sharp. It’s the best one yet.
“Demolition job pending. See you in the circle.”
British Olympic champ goes bare-knuckle
DeGale, 39, made history as the first Briton to win Olympic gold and a professional world title. His decision to join BKFC makes him the most decorated UK fighter yet to swap the ring for the circle.
The Londoner’s return pits him against Matt Floyd, an outspoken operator in the bare-knuckle ranks, as BKFC continues to lure big names from the boxing world.
Floyd defeated Shane Mosley in London recently and proceeded to threaten DeGale and spray water at him in what was roundly considered a bridged altercation to the announcement.
Career full circle
Known as “Chunky,” DeGale captured the IBF crown in 2015 and defended it across North America before a grueling loss to Eubank Jr. appeared to close the book on his career in February 2019, a fight World Boxing News attended at ringside.
With his body healed and fire reignited, the lure of combat has proved too strong to resist.
BKFC will stage the DeGale vs Floyd clash in front of what is expected to be a huge UK audience, with the promotion aggressively expanding on British shores.
After seven years away, DeGale insists it’s no gimmick, but whether he can adapt to the cutthroat world of bare-knuckle fighting remains to be seen.
The stage is set for one of the most intriguing returns of the year. James DeGale vs Matt Floyd goes down September 27 under BKFC rules.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.