\n<\/p>\n
He dismisses the notion of risks as no greater than normal boxing because of the shorter rounds, taking fewer punches over a shorter timeframe, and gloves doing more to protect hands than heads.<\/p>\n
But the smaller ring space is just another factor why there are more fights ended by knockout or technical knockout than standard boxing, not to mention a greater risk of cuts. A concern for some, an appeal to others.<\/p>\n
“It’s stripped back, the truest form of fighting,” he says. “And I’ve got something to prove.”<\/p>\n
Put to him that holding a world title suggests he doesn’t need to prove himself, he replies: “Yeah, but I had pillows on my hands.”<\/p>\n
Selby has yet to try a pillow-less punch on an opponent but says pad work suggests his punches are “so much faster, so much cleaner”.<\/p>\n
He’s yet to receive a bareknuckle punch either and admits his sister worries. His father \u2013 who he calls “a boxing purist” \u2013 wants nothing to do with the venture.<\/p>\n
But brother, fellow boxer and 2012 Olympian Andrew Selby has joined him in making the switch into the three-sided ring known as the Trigon.<\/p>\n
“I’ve had huge success as an amateur and won the British title in the pros. Now, joining my brother Lee in BKB is a dream,” said Andrew.<\/p>\n
“Bareknuckle is the original, no-excuses version of the sport we love. I’m bringing my speed, timing, and heart to the Trigon – and we’re both coming for world titles.”<\/p>\n
Lee Selby’s only live experience of the discipline to date has been coaching one previous fight, but he has been studying and notes that the venue sizes are growing.<\/p>\n
Just as he knows the risks, Selby is equally clear on his aim.<\/p>\n
“The plan is my debut which I don’t want to look past,” he says. “But, if I was to look ahead, I’d like another fight and then to fight for the world title, defend it and retire a two-time world champion.<\/p>\n
“World champion with and without the gloves and the best fighting man from Wales.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n