Former two-time IBF super middleweight champion James DeGale returned to the ring, but in the realm of bare-knuckle as he made his debut on Saturday in the BFKC 81 main event against Matt Floyd from the sold-out AO Arena in Manchester, England, live on DAZN.
Ten of the first 11 fights ended inside the distance. And the main event was expected to be the same result.
However, Floyd made it a very dirty fight and got deducted three points in the affair, but DeGale overcame the adversity to win by unanimous decision (48-43, 48-43, 47-44). DAZN News had it scored 48-43 for DeGale.
DeGale (1-0 BKFC) looked sharp throughout. The jab was crisp and on point. But Floyd's fouls didn't make it any easier. After the conclusion of the first round, Floyd inexplicably headbutted DeGale, who went after Floyd, but the referee and cornerman intervened. Two points were taken away from Floyd.
Things were getting chippy with DeGale and Floyd. At the beginning of the third round, Floyd blatantly put DeGale in a headlock. In an effort to regain control of the fight, the referee this time deducted one point from Floyd. Near the end of the round, DeGale got deducted a point for throwing a shot out of the break.
At the end, DeGale's extensive boxing experience was too much as he began his journey to win another world title, but this time in a different combat sport.
Below is what happened at BKFC 81 on DAZN.