Kell Brook forced to address bare-knuckle fight ‘announcement’ as boxing icon clears up future

Jan 9, 2026 - 20:30
Kell Brook forced to address bare-knuckle fight ‘announcement’ as boxing icon clears up future

Kell Brook has confirmed that news of a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship fight with Aaron Chalmers is categorically false.

The 39-year-old hasn’t stepped foot inside the squared circle since knocking out rival Amir Khan in the sixth round of their blockbuster bout in February 2022.

Kell Brook celebrates his win over Amir Khan
Brook enjoyed a fruitful 40-3 professional boxing career
Getty

But on Thursday, it was announced that he would be making his debut in a Conor McGregor‘s promotion.

Chalmers, Geordie Shore star turned mixed martial artist, uploaded a poster of him and Brook suggesting they were set to fight this year in BKFC.

He captioned the post: “2026 off to a flyer.”

Brook has since uploaded a video in response to Chalmers’s announcement, suggesting he was just as shocked at the news as everyone else was.

The former IBF welterweight champion said: “I’m getting a lot of messages about this BKFC.

“But, there’s absolutely no truth in me fighting in BKFC.

“Absolutely no truth. It’s all lies.”

In September, Brook was reportedly considering a move from boxing to bare-knuckle, after he said he was struggling with retirement.

His trainer, Dominic Ingle, told Boxing King Media: “Kell Brook called me up the other day…

“And he’s been offered money to [fight] in bare-knuckle boxing.

Dominic Ingle and Kell Brook post-fight
Ingle has been Brook’s long-term trainer, guiding him to the heights of his career as IBF welterweight champion
Kell Brook all smiles in Ireland
Brook is regarded as one of Britain’s best ever welterweights
Getty

“Frankie Gavin has done it, Liam Williams might be doing it and James DeGale.”

But as it stands, Brook has no imminent plans to join their roster.

Will Kell Brook fight again?

Almost four years after he hung up his gloves, Brook is now gearing up to return to the ring for an exhibition bout on February 13.

During his hiatus, Brook has been linked to making a comeback against the likes of Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn.

But the ‘Special One’ is stepping up to fight Eisa Al Dah in a tribute to the late Ricky Hatton.

Hatton was set to make his comeback to the sport in November last year.

Ricky Hatton at the premiere of 'Hatton' in August 2023
Hatton was found dead at his home on Sunday, September 14 2025
Getty

But the boxing legend tragically passed away before he had the chance.

All of the proceeds from Brook’s bout will go to The Ricky Hatton Foundation, which is a charity that is set up to support athletes who are struggling.

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