London, United Kingdom - February 5, 2026 - BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, the world's leading and fastest-growing professional bare knuckle organization, today announced the signing of former IBF featherweight world champion Lee Selby in a multi-fight, multi-year agreement. The Welsh boxing standout, known as "Lightning," will bring his elite technical skills, championship experience, and fan-favorite style to the bare knuckle trigon, making his highly anticipated debut in the coming months as he targets BKB world championship glory.
This landmark signing showcases the growing appeal and momentum of BKB, which continues to attract decorated gloved boxers and deliver high-stakes, action-packed events. The promotion has seen stars like Olympic gold medalist and former multi-weight world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa cross over to the trigon, while Paulie Malignaggi made a hugely successful transition, delivering a thrilling Fight of the Night performance in his return at BKB 47 against Tyler Goodjohn. Building on that excitement, Malignaggi is now set to challenge reigning champion Rolando Dy for the BKB Super Welterweight World Championship in Manchester on Saturday, May 16, 2026, furthering BKB's rising profile, expanding roster of elite talent, and nonstop progression as one of most disruptive forces in combat sports.
Selby, a former dominant force at featherweight, held the IBF world title from 2015 to 2018, successfully defending it five times against top contenders. He previously captured the British, Commonwealth, and European featherweight titles between 2011 and 2014, compiling an impressive professional record of 28-4 (9 KOs) over a career spanning 2008 to 2022. His championship reign and high-level performances established him as one of Wales' most accomplished boxers and the 12th Welsh world champion in boxing history.
Selby's decision to join BKB was fueled by his admiration for the promotion's rapid growth, professional production, and the raw intensity of bare knuckle competition. Eager to test his elite boxing pedigree without gloves, he views BKB as the perfect platform to extend his legacy in the purest form of the sport.
Former IBF World Champion Lee Selby said: “I’ve achieved everything in gloved boxing - from regional titles to defending my world title five times. Now, bare knuckle is calling. It’s the original, no-filter version of boxing, and I’m excited to bring my speed, skill, and experience to BKB. I’m here to win another world title and show why I’m still one of the best.”
Mike Vazquez, Founder of BKB Bare Knuckle, said: “Lee Selby is a true champion with an incredible resume, and we’re honored to have him join our roster. His technical mastery and championship mentality will light up the trigon. With fighters like Gamboa and Malignaggi already proving the path for elite boxers, Lee’s signing shows BKB is where legends come to chase greatness.”
David Tetreault, CEO of BKB Bare Knuckle, said: "Lee Selby is another game-changer for our organization. His world title pedigree, defensive brilliance, and proven ability at the highest levels make this a massive addition. We're excited to watch him chase bare knuckle glory alongside our growing stable of world-class talent."
Selby joins an elite and expanding roster featuring more than 200 fighters from over 30 countries, underscoring BKB’s appeal to boxing’s biggest names seeking the ultimate challenge in the most primal combat sport. More major announcements are on the horizon as BKB continues its meteoric rise.
From its beginnings in 2015 as BYB Extreme Fighting Series, founded by MMA pioneer Dhafir "Dada 5000" Harris and Mike Vazquez, BKB has elevated bare knuckle boxing into a regulated, globally broadcast powerhouse through key acquisitions—including the original UK-based BKB in 2021 and Bad To The Bone in 2025—and a fighter-first approach that prioritizes athlete welfare and opportunity. Landmark broadcast partnerships with talkSPORT (UK and Ireland), VICE (US and Canada), and Telemundo (Spanish-language in the US) have brought live events to millions worldwide.
Details on Selby’s debut fight and upcoming events will be announced soon. Fans can visit www.bkbbareknuckle.com and follow @bkbbareknuckle for the latest news and information.
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