The UFC may stand as the biggest combat sports league in the world, but BKFC is closely catching up to the MMA giants, although there’s still a long way to go for the latter. The bare-knuckle promotion recently made a new signing, which has piqued fans’ interest on social media. We’re talking about the boxing legend James DeGale, who’ll make his BKFC debut on 27 September.

Well, the BKFC has not thrown James DeGale into the deep end because his debut opponent is also a boxer who’s stepping into the bare-knuckle world for the first time. But before we get to the fight this weekend, let’s take a look at the origins and roots of the British fighter, who’s also an MBE. Here’s what we know.

James DeGale’s ethnicity, early life & background

James DeGale’s parents welcomed him into the world on February 3, 1986, in Hammersmith, West London, England. Hence, he’s English by nationality, or British, but when it comes to his ethnic background, he has multicultural roots. DeGale was born to a father with Grenadian roots and an English mother, so he carries his father’s ethnic background.

The 39-year-old started his boxing journey before his teenage years, when he was 10, and over the years, acquired the nickname ‘Chunky’. As he grew older and started his amateur boxing career, James DeGale developed the ability to fight as a switch-hitter. He also won the bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games held in Australia. DeGale would also go on to win an Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008. But let’s take a look at his professional boxing career and how it panned out.

James DeGale’s boxing record and stats

James DeGale was an active professional boxer from 2009 to 2019. He had a decade-long journey, where he amassed an impressive 25-3 record. DeGale’s 25 wins included 15 knockout wins and 10 wins by decision, as he lost his 3 fights via decision as well. The 39-year-old never got knocked out and has gone the distance many times in his career, and has also added several championship wins to his resume.

James DeGale captured the IBF super middleweight title on two occasions between 2015 and 2018. When it came to the regional scene, the British boxing legend also captured the national and European super middleweight titles between the years 2010 and 2012. Also, DeGale has one thing to be proud of as he’s the first boxer from his country to do a double, winning an Olympic gold medal and a world championship in boxing. However, all good stories come to an end, and DeGale finally hung up his gloves in 2019.

James DeGale’s retirement from boxing

By the time James DeGale turned 33 years old, he came to the realization that he was no longer the fighter that he was when he was winning championships. After losing to Chris Eubank Jr. in 2019, the former Olympic gold winner decided to call it a career. DeGale revealed that the injuries he faced over the years affected the way he competed and, because of that, he decided to retire.

“It’s been an unbelievable journey. It’s hard to admit that I’m not the fighter I once was. I’m human and, along the way, my injuries have taken a toll – both on mind and body,” James DeGale said after his last fight. Meanwhile, the first person to ever hand him a defeat, George Groves, sided with DeGale’s retirement decision, saying, “You’ve made the right decision. It’s a tough sport, and you reached the highest level. Congratulations.” Now, the next chapter of the boxing legend’s life lies in BKFC, so let’s take a look at the details of his fight.

James DeGale returns to action at BKFC

James DeGale hasn’t competed in any capacity since his loss to Chris Eubank Jr., and although bare-knuckle is a variation of boxing, fighting in the BKFC is never easy. There are no gloves, so, as we’ve mentioned already, Conor McGregor‘s part-owned promotion is not feeding the 39-year-old to the sharks in the BKFC. Instead, DeGale will be taking on Aussie boxing veteran Matty Floyd at BKFC 81.

Matty Floyd has 15 wins and 2 losses as a pro boxer, and he’s been pretty active. At 36 years old, he stands as an accomplished fighter who has won the UBO cruiserweight world title, the Australasian light heavyweight title, and the WBC Asian Silver light heavyweight title. His resume gives us the impression that his fight against James DeGale could be an interesting one, which we’ll find out soon.

Well, what are your thoughts on James DeGale making his BKFC debut at the age of 39? Let us know in the comments section below.