And signs with BKFC. Not many details at the moment. https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/7/...fc-reveals-new-signings-including-yoel-romero
Not a great decision for James. He has never come across as the kind of boxer that would excel in bare knuckle. In fact actually the opposite.
If he used his style like when he 1st come on the scene he could defo walk people onto something but in my opinion he sounded like he was starting to slur his words at end of his career and he stopped using the skills that he had and god involved in wars... I just don't see this ending well for him imo
The blokes got 1 arm.. Surely he could jab his way through a couple of lower-tier boxers and try and use his name to land a decent-paying fight. Another one ill suited to bare knuckle.
Crazy to see DeGale back in BKFC. Wasn’t his biggest fan coming up — always backed Groves — but fair play, he went on the road, won a world title, defended it, and you’d think he was one of the few who cashed out properly. Earned every bit of it. This move though screams cash flow problems — or maybe just ego. Probably still living like it’s his prime with nothing coming in. Thought he’d opened a gym or gone into personal training? James was never the sharpest, to be fair. There is a market for old-school fighters coming back — imagine a one-off legends card: Hatton vs. Witter, Calzaghe vs. Froch, DeGale vs. Groves III. That would sell out the O2 overnight. But BKFC? He’s fighting for peanuts. After the way Eubank rag-dolled him at the end, it’s 50/50 he ends up like Gavin. Yeah, he’ll be in better shape externally — but inside, he was broken by the finish. A one-armed fighter, really. Reminded me of Haye: looked the part, but physically falling apart. And that doesn’t bode well in bare-knuckle.
I would not mind watching old fighters against old fighters over say 6 2min rounds, so they can earn from it, as boxberry said would sell out. but bare knuckle does not appeal to me and many others,
I’m quite looking forward to seeing him get cut up. One of the least likeable fighters of my generation.
Once upon a time ime Degale had top notch reflexes. Those are long gone now and he didn't always like a war. He's also old and shop worn now. Like others have said, this likely won't end well unless he is in with really low level competition.
BKFC signing ex boxers and MMA guys to feed to the younger, hungrier BK fighters gives them a name on their records and gains a bit more publicity and few more crossover viewers. Most will go the same way as Frankie Gavin not Austin Trout, Chunky I can only see being more the former, his time has been and gone.
Of all the retired boxers who could probably do very well in bare knuckle why is it always the unlikeliest that takes it up? Look at Paulie - loads of hand problems and not a big hitter. Who's next ? Sunny Edwards? Makes you wonder how much they are getting paid. Surely it can't be that much? I don't know why Paulie doesn't fight Hatton again seeing as they are both getting back in the ring. Would make more sense than the guy Hatton is planning to fight.