Lee Selby Set for BKB 61 Main Event Return in London

Lee Selby will headline BKB 61 in London on Nov. 14, returning to the bare-knuckle ring against an opponent who has not yet been announced.

The card lands at the Indigo at O2 Arena, putting the former IBF featherweight world champion and WBC international featherweight titleholder back in front of a hometown crowd. Selby retired from boxing in 2022 and made his transition to the discipline official at BKB 55 in June, stopping Antonia Rizzo, a foe 14 years his junior, by knockout.

Why BKB Wants Selby Back in the Trigon

Booking Selby as the BKB 61 headliner is a straightforward bet on name value and atmosphere. BKB CEO David Tetreault called Selby "a proven world champion and one of the biggest names in boxing," adding that "London is the perfect stage for a fighter of his caliber, and we know the fans will create an incredible atmosphere." For a promotion still building its profile against BKFC, landing a recognizable former two-belt boxing champion for a second bare-knuckle outing in his own backyard is exactly the kind of booking that sells tickets and pay-per-view buys regardless of who ends up across the Trigon from him.

Selby sounds just as eager to be back in front of that crowd. "I'm excited to be back in the Trigon and to have the opportunity to fight in London again," Selby said. "I already know exactly what BKB is all about, and I'm looking forward to getting back in there. I'm ready to put on a great night for the fans."

What Bettors Should Watch For

There's no line to price yet with the opponent still unnamed, but the shape of the matchmaking is worth watching once it drops. Selby's debut came against a much younger, comparatively unproven foe, and if BKB books a similarly favorable stylistic matchup for the London headliner, expect him to open as a clear favorite. His boxing pedigree, sharp hands and ring IQ built over a world title run, should translate well against opponents without that level of technical background in the bare-knuckle format. The bigger swing factor for bettors will be durability and cut susceptibility without gloves, something a longer BKB resume will start to answer as he takes more of these fights.

BKB 61 also continues a run of London cards for the promotion as it pushes its international footprint, with Selby's presence positioned as the marquee draw to anchor the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is Lee Selby's next bare-knuckle fight?

Lee Selby headlines BKB 61 on Nov. 14 at the Indigo at O2 Arena in London.

Who is Lee Selby fighting at BKB 61?

An opponent for Lee Selby's BKB 61 main event had not been named as of the announcement.

What was Lee Selby's bare-knuckle debut result?

Lee Selby made his bare-knuckle debut at BKB 55 in June, winning by knockout over Antonia Rizzo.