Lee Selby: Why did a world champion boxer go bare-knuckle?

He dismisses the idea that the risk is greater than in normal boxing because of the shorter rounds, fewer punches taken over a shorter period of time, and the use of gloves to protect the hands more than the head.

But the smaller ring space is another reason why more fights end by knockout or technical knockout than in standard boxing, not to mention a greater risk of cuts. Concern for some, appeal to others.

“It’s stripped away, the truest form of fighting,” he says. “And I have something to prove.”

Ask him to suggest holding a world title that he doesn’t, he replies: “Yes, but I had a pillow in my hand.”

He has yet to try and land a pillow-less punch on an opponent but pad work suggests his punches are “so fast, so clean”.

He still, either, gets a punch punch and admits to worrying about his sister. His father – whom he calls “a boxing purist” – wants nothing to do with the venture.

But brother and fellow boxer, 2012 Olympian Andrew Selby, joined him in switching to a three-sided ring known as a trigon.

“I had great success as an amateur and won the British title in the pros. Now, joining my brother Lee in BKB is a dream,” said Andrew.

“Bare Knuckles is the real, unapologetic version of the sport we love. I’m bringing my speed, timing and heart to Trigon – and we’re both coming for a world title.”

Lee Selby’s only live experience of this so far has been coaching a previous fight, but he’s been studying and notes that the venue is growing in size.

And as he knows the risks, Selby is equally clear in his aims.

“The project is my debut which I don’t want to look past,” he says. “But, if I look ahead, I want one more fight and then to fight for the world title, defend it and retire two-time world champion.

“World champion with and without gloves and Wales’ best fighting man.”