Skip to main content
Boxing News
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Schedule
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Fight Schedule
  • Current Champions
  • Magazine

Follow us

  • YouTube YouTube
  • Instagram Instagram
  • Twitter / X Twitter
  • Facebook Facebook

© 2013—2026 Boxing News

Magazine

Former UK world champion set for fighting return after four years out

Sheldan Keay

9th February, 2026

Former UK world champion set for fighting return after four years out
Image credit: Getty

A former British world champion is set for an unexpected return to combat sports after nearly four years away away from boxing.

After a lull period, the UK is once again home to many male world champions, with Fabio Wardley, Dalton Smith, Josh Kelly, Jazza Dickens and Lewis Crocker all holding gold, though Nick Ball did lose his WBA belt on Saturday.

There is still a long way to go to match the heights from around a decade ago, where at one stage there were 14 world champions, one of them being Lee Selby, who held the IBF featherweight crown.

Selby lost his belt after a defeat to Josh Warrington, and after further losses to George Kambosos and Gustavo Lemos, the Welshman last competed in March 2022.

At 38-years-old, he is now set for a comeback, announced today that he has signed a multi-fight deal with BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing.

The organisation is already home to former world champions Paulie Malignaggi and Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Selby revealed he is now looking to reach the top once again.

“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.”

Details on when Selby will be making his debut in BKB Bare Knuckle are expected to be announced soon.

More stories

Tyson Fury and Arslanbek Makhmudov

Heavyweight title fight added to Tyson Fury vs Makhmudov undercard

2 Mar, 2026
Emanuel Steward

Emanuel Steward said one man stood alone as the greatest heavyweight ever

2 Mar, 2026
Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather announces his 3 opponents for 2026: “A legendary battle”

2 Mar, 2026
Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder

Johnny Nelson predicts Chisora vs Wilder: “I actually lean towards him”

2 Mar, 2026
Boxing News

Since 1909

Editorial

  • News
  • Live Coverage
  • BN Investigates
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Magazine

Boxing

  • Upcoming Fight Schedule
  • Current Boxing Champions

Company

  • About Boxing News
  • Contact us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy policy

Follow us

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • X
  • Facebook
  • Google News
Copyright 2013—2026 Boxing News