Why Has James DeGale Not Returned to Traditional Boxing?

James DeGale was once one of Britain’s most accomplished super middleweights, capturing Olympic gold in 2008 before turning professional and going on to become IBF world champion.

His career featured memorable fights against the likes of George Groves, Lucian Bute, Badou Jack and finally Chris Eubank Jr. However, since retiring in 2019, many fans have wondered why DeGale never attempted a comeback in traditional boxing, especially considering how many former champions eventually return to the ring.

Retirement After the Eubank Defeat

DeGale’s final appearance in a boxing ring was his unanimous decision defeat to Chris Eubank Jr on 23 February 2019. Just days later, on 28 February, exactly ten years after his professional debut, he officially retired from the sport. In his retirement statement, he made it clear that the decision was not based on desire, but rather physical decline.

He admitted that he was no longer the fighter he once was, saying that years of injuries had taken a toll on both his mind and body. DeGale’s style relied heavily on reflexes and movement, and as he entered his thirties those attributes began to fade. The wars against fighters like Badou Jack had clearly worn him down.

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Why He Never Returned to Traditional Boxing

In an era where many fighters retire and return repeatedly, DeGale has stayed away from professional boxing for more than five years. The main reason appears to be his honesty with himself. Rather than chasing another payday in the ring, he accepted that competing at world level was no longer realistic. His body had endured surgeries and long training camps for over two decades. Even if he still loved the sport, the grind of boxing at the elite level no longer suited him.

Transition to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

While DeGale steered clear of traditional boxing, he has now resurfaced in a very different combat sport. He has confirmed his transition to Bare Knuckle FC and is set to fight Matt Floyd. This move may surprise some, but bare knuckle fighting operates differently to twelve-round professional boxing. Fights are shorter, the stance is more upright, and many former boxers find success using timing rather than relentless volume.

DeGale may view BKFC as a new challenge that doesn’t require him to perform at the same sustained pace as traditional boxing. It also allows him to compete without the pressure of chasing titles or facing top ten ranked opponents.