Former IBF featherweight world champion Lee “Lightning” Selby made a emphatic statement in his bare-knuckle boxing debut, stopping Italy’s Antonio Rizzo with a second-round knockout on June 27, 2026. The 39-year-old Welshman, competing at the Vindico Arena in Cardiff, delivered a clinical performance that suggested his technical skills remain sharp despite a four-year absence from professional combat sports.
The homecoming bout for Lee Selby served as the main attraction of BKB 55: Carnage in Cardiff, a night that highlighted the promotion’s ability to pull veteran talent into the no-gloves format. BKB CEO David Tetreault and founder Mike Vazquez have overseen a period of rapid growth for the organization, which now broadcasts to a global audience via Talk Sport, Vice TV, and TikTok.
Lee Selby secures dominant knockout win over Antonio Rizzo
Lee Selby controlled the pace from the opening bell, utilizing the same lateral movement and ram-rod jab that helped him defend the IBF world title five times between 2015 and 2018. Antonio Rizzo, a K1 veteran with 25 professional victories, entered the Trigon with an unbeaten bare-knuckle record but struggled to close the distance against the skilled Welshman.
The disparity in technical pedigree became evident late in the first round when Lee Selby dropped Antonio Rizzo with a sharp right hand to the head. While Rizzo managed to beat the count and return for the second frame, he was floored three more times as Lee Selby increased the pressure. The fight ended when the Barry native landed a sickening left hook to the liver, leaving Rizzo unable to continue.
The transition from 10-ounce gloves to bare knuckles poses a significant risk for traditional boxers, yet Lee Selby appeared to handle the change with tactical discipline. Just as Roberto Duran identified technical intelligence as a key trait in his toughest rivals, Lee Selby relied on accuracy rather than volume to preserve his hands while dismantling his opponent.
Vindico Arena reacts to Lightning’s successful comeback
Speaking in the Trigon after his victory, Lee Selby noted the significant age difference between himself and his opponent. “Rizzo is almost half my age; he could be my son,” Lee Selby said, celebrating his entry into what he called the “40 club.” He cited a renewed “appetite for destruction” as he looks toward the next phase of his career.
Lee Selby made it clear that he isn’t in BKB for a solitary appearance. He expressed a desire to pursue a world title in the promotion, specifically citing a wish to avenge the loss of his friend and sparring partner, Kallum Shkhane. Lee Selby argued that Shkhane was winning on points when he was stopped just before the final bell in his own title pursuit.
The success of Lee Selby’s debut mirrors a broader trend where established names are seeking fresh challenges in alternative formats. While Andy Ruiz Jr. reportedly nearing comeback has kept the heavyweight division focused on traditional returns, Lee Selby has chosen the “purest, no-filter version of the fight game” to rewrite his closing chapter.
BKB 55: Carnage in Cardiff full card results
The event in Cardiff featured a deep card that blended established professional boxers with bare-knuckle veterans. The night’s results saw several high-stakes matches across multiple weight classes, confirming the promotion’s expanding talent pool within the United Kingdom.
The confirmed matches and lineups for BKB 55 included:
- Super Lightweight (Main Event): Lee Selby def. Antonio Rizzo via KO2
- Bridgerweight: Dan Podmore vs. Jarome Hatch
- Heavyweight: Kamil Sokolowski vs. Mark O’Neil
- Bridgerweight: Dorian Darch vs. Lee Chadwick
- Super Middleweight: Geraint Goodridge vs. Tommy Turner
- Welterweight: Tony Lafferty vs. Ashley Devenport
- Super Featherweight: Iestyn Edwards vs. Ashley Williams
- Super Welterweight: Joe Smith vs. Joe Morgan
Preliminary card results from TikTok stream
The preliminary portion of the event, which aired approximately two to three hours before the main card, gave exposure to rising prospects in the bare-knuckle scene. BKB continues to use diverse platforms to reach younger demographics, ensuring the sport’s growth beyond traditional pay-per-view models.
The prelims featured the following pairings:
- Tusolo Williams vs. Jordan Bell
- Rashid Omar vs. Ollie Sentance
- Dan Mathews vs. Class Lille
- Ethan George vs. Kornelijus Sabaliauskas
Future outlook for Lee Selby in the bare-knuckle Trigon
With a professional boxing record of 28-4 (9 KOs) now bolstered by a successful bare-knuckle debut, Lee Selby is positioned as a primary contender for BKB championships. His presence brings a level of legitimacy to the promotion that few other recent signings can match, particularly as he remains one of only 12 Welsh fighters to have ever tasted world title glory.
What happens next will depend on the championship landscape in the super lightweight division. However, Lee Selby’s refusal to show ring rust despite four years out of the limelight suggests he remains a dangerous out for anyone in the Trigon. The Welsh fans at Vindico Arena witnessed a vintage performance from a man who clearly feels his journey in combat sports is not yet over.
