James DeGale to make BKFC debut ‘best one yet’ in Manchester

British legend James DeGale is scheduled to fight Matt Floyd in September

Former Super middleweight champion and Olympic gold medallist, James DeGale (25-3-1, 15KOs), is transitioning into the bare-knuckle combat space despite being retired for six years. 

Following his departure from boxing after a matchup with Chris Eubank Jr, the likelihood of the Brit stepping back into the ring seemed small, however after a back and fourth at a BKFC event, 39-year-old Londoner DeGale has agreed to step into the ring again in a entirely different combat sport.

Last month, Hammersmith's DeGale and his opponent Matt Floyd (15-2, 8KOs) faced off for the first time, exchanging words, with water being thrown over the former two-time IBF super-middleweight champion resulting in the pair being separated by security.

Australian Matt Floyd, who defeated former three division boxing champion Shane Mosley (49-10-1, 41KOs) in his most recent win, explained how the feud with Briton DeGale originated.

“He started walking away saying he was going to f--- me up. Obviously I couldn’t believe it so I just threw the water bottle, it’s like f--- you”, Floyd said.

The BKFC man, who calls himself 'The Jedi', said he was open to fighting DeGale in a boxing match or bare knuckle.

He told IFL TV: “They asked me if I want to fight bare knuckle, I said yes.

“I don’t think he’ll fight me bare knuckle. I don't think he thinks he wants to fight me bare knuckle. I think he wants it to be boxing and that’s fine”, he said.

Despite the proposal from Floyd, DeGale has made a shock decision and agreed to fight the 36-year old in his preferred sport. 

The 2008 Olympic middleweight gold medallist wrote on Instagram: “UK I’m back. This time the gloves are off. Everyone asking what version you’re getting, seven years out, body healed, mind is sharp”.

The fight is scheduled to main event a BKFC card on 27 September.