James DeGale wins in debut bare-knuckle fight: results of the controversial bout.

James DeGale's debut in the bare-knuckle boxing league

According to The Sun: James DeGale successfully debuted in the bare-knuckle boxing league, although the fight took place in a challenging atmosphere.

The two-time world champion in the super middleweight division faced Australian Matt Floyd in Manchester.

DeGale returned to boxing after a six-year hiatus, ending his previous career following a loss to Chris Eubank Jr.

After five rounds filled with penalties, clinches, and occasional blows, DeGale won on points.

“This is bare-knuckle boxing, it's completely different. Holding, hitting - it's madness! Crazy things.”

“But you know what? I'm 1-0 in bare-knuckle boxing. A second birth for JD.”

Both boxers immediately started the fight, leading to numerous clinches.

Floyd, slightly wobbling DeGale with a right hand, received a warning for excessive holding.

He was penalized two points for a headbutt after the bell signaling the end of the first round.

In the second round, the situation worsened — Floyd received another warning for a punch after the bell, again losing points.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST BONUSES FROM CASINO WITH £10 DEPOSITS

As the fight became brutal, DeGale also received a deduction for a punch after a clinch.

Final of the bout

In the last two rounds, DeGale, who won Olympic gold in 2008, picked up steam while both boxers sustained cuts to their faces.

Thanks to his habit of landing clean punches before gaining control over Floyd, he created difficulties for the spectators.

After five rounds, utilizing additional points for deductions, DeGale gained an advantage.

The expected victory materialized — DeGale received a unanimous decision and was congratulated by former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who is a co-owner of BKFC.

“It's an interesting puzzle in bare-knuckle. People are used to holding, we all do it, frames, yes. I want to see frames.”

“It's different, as he says, this man is an Olympic champion and a two-time world champion, and he had fun. It seemed he really enjoyed it.”

“Matt Floyd, great fight. It was a wonderful battle. It's an interesting puzzle, bare-knuckle fighting. This is not boxing, it's bare-knuckle fighting.”

DeGale, 39, added: “He’s tough, he’s ready. In boxing, his best move is to hold the head and strike. He’s constantly warned.”

“In a boxing match, he wouldn’t last two rounds. So I decided: let’s try bare-knuckle boxing to make it more even.”

James DeGale's debut in bare-knuckle boxing was a landmark event, as he returned after a long hiatus, despite the specifics and toughness of this competition format. His victory indicates that the athlete leaves his mark even in a new boxing tradition, finding new opportunities to showcase his talent. This bout could become an interesting step in DeGale's future career as a bare-knuckle boxer.