Is Ex-World Champion DeGale Ready for a Bare-Knuckle Comeback?

James DeGale, an Olympic gold medallist and former world boxing champion, is set to make his bare-knuckle fighting debut on 27 September, taking on Australian Matt Floyd in Manchester. DeGale, who retired from boxing in 2019, is eager to showcase his skills in a new arena without gloves.

Last updated: 27 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• James DeGale is transitioning from boxing to bare-knuckle fighting.
• His debut is scheduled for 27 September 2023 against Matt Floyd.
• DeGale retired from boxing in 2019 after a loss to Chris Eubank Jr.
• He is the first British boxer to win both Olympic and professional world titles.
• Matt Floyd has a professional boxing record of 15 wins and 2 losses.

James DeGale: A Brief Overview

Born on 3rd February 1986 in London, James DeGale rose through the ranks of boxing to become one of the UK's most celebrated fighters. He made history by becoming the first British boxer to win an Olympic gold medal and a professional world title. His Olympic triumph came in 2008 in Beijing, where he captured the middleweight title.

Professional Career Highlights

DeGale turned professional in 2009 and quickly made a name for himself in the super-middleweight division. In May 2015, he won the IBF super-middleweight title by defeating American Andre Dirrell, marking the pinnacle of his boxing career. However, his journey was not without challenges; he lost the title to Caleb Truax in December 2017 but reclaimed it in a rematch in April 2018 before vacating it later that year. His final fight in boxing was against Chris Eubank Jr., where he acknowledged that he was "not the fighter I once was."

The Transition to Bare-Knuckle Fighting

After more than four years away from competitive sports, DeGale's announcement of his bare-knuckle debut has generated significant interest. He expressed his excitement on social media, stating, "UK I'm back. This time the gloves are off." DeGale assures fans that he feels rejuvenated, claiming his body is healed and his mind is sharp.

What to Expect from DeGale's Bare-Knuckle Debut

DeGale's transition to bare-knuckle fighting presents an intriguing chapter in his sporting career. Bare-knuckle fighting is known for its brutal nature, requiring a different set of skills compared to traditional boxing. Fans are eager to see how DeGale adapts to this change.

Meet Matt Floyd: The Opponent

Matt Floyd, aged 36 and hailing from Perth, Australia, has a professional boxing record of 15 wins and 2 losses. His career has been marked by resilience; he is a former gang member who served time in prison before turning his life around through boxing. Floyd was previously in talks to face Briton Tommy Fury, adding to the anticipation surrounding his match against DeGale.

Floyd's Fighting Style and Background

Floyd's fighting style is aggressive, and he is known for his powerful punches and ability to absorb damage. His past experiences have contributed to his toughness in the ring. As both fighters are making their debut in bare-knuckle fighting, it will be interesting to see how their styles clash.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Both Fighters?

For DeGale, this return to combat sports is not just a comeback but a chance to redefine his legacy. If successful, it could pave the way for more opportunities within the bare-knuckle fighting community. For Floyd, facing a former world champion offers a significant platform to elevate his own career and prove himself against a high-calibre opponent.

The Significance of Bare-Knuckle Fighting

Bare-knuckle fighting has gained popularity in recent years, often viewed as a raw and unfiltered form of combat sports. The lack of gloves adds an element of excitement and unpredictability, drawing fans who appreciate the sport's brutal honesty. As more boxing champions like DeGale transition to this format, it raises questions about the future of traditional boxing.

Conclusion: A New Era for James DeGale

As James DeGale prepares for his bare-knuckle fighting debut, the sporting world watches closely. His return signifies not only a personal comeback but also a potential shift in the landscape of combat sports. Will he adapt successfully to this new challenge? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the gloves are off, and DeGale is ready to make his mark once again.

FAQs

When is James DeGale's bare-knuckle fighting debut?

James DeGale's bare-knuckle fighting debut is scheduled for 27 September 2023, where he will face Matt Floyd in Manchester.

What is James DeGale's boxing record?

James DeGale has a professional boxing record of 25 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, including an Olympic gold medal and an IBF super-middleweight title.

Who is Matt Floyd?

Matt Floyd is a 36-year-old Australian fighter with a professional boxing record of 15 wins and 2 losses. He is known for his aggressive fighting style and resilience.

Why did James DeGale retire from boxing?

James DeGale retired from boxing in 2019 after losing to Chris Eubank Jr. He acknowledged feeling that he was "not the fighter I once was" after that match.

What makes bare-knuckle fighting different from boxing?

Bare-knuckle fighting differs from boxing primarily in that fighters do not wear gloves, resulting in a more brutal and raw form of combat that emphasises striking and resilience.