James DeGale Ready for Greatness After Winning IBF Crown
Not only is Britain’s new Super Middleweight champ feeling supremely confident ahead of his November fight with Lucian Bute, he’s promising the best Degale will turn up. The Montreal encounter will come as James DeGale’s first IBF title defense.
“The way I’m feeling, I’m in top shape, it’s going to be hard to beat me,” DeGale told Boxing News. “My journey is just starting, his [Bute’s] is coming to an end. I want the big fights, I want to unify titles.
“First things first I have to beat Bute and he wants his old belt back. I’m too young, too fresh, and too good. Much too good.”
Jim McDonnell, DeGale’s trainer, has noticed positive changes in DeGale since his pupil recently captured his first world title against Andre Dirrell.
“Winning the world title has put 20 per cent on his performances,” McDonnell said. “His sparring the other day was incredible. You’re going to see the best of JD in November and he will go on to be not just a good champion, but a great champion.”
Chris Algieri Back to Business on Jacobs-Quillin Card
The New Yorker may have come up short against Manny Pacquiao (very) and Amir Khan, but his gritty determination has earned him a large following. Chris Algieri will now return to the ring on December 5th against a yet to named opponent on the Jacobs-Quillin card, according to Dan Rafael.
“Also, @ChrisAlgieri is slated to also appear on the Dec. 5 #JacobsQuillin undercard. #boxing,” Rafael said via his Twitter account.
It will certainly be good to see this kid back in action, and will no doubt be considered a sort-of make-or-break fight. If business has anything to do with it, Algieri really should be going up against softer opposition than he’s been used to as of late.
After Ruslan Provodnikov, Pacquiao and Khan, this guy deserves an easy-ish fight for a change.
What’s your take on James DeGale’s chances against Lucian Bute, and the return of the exciting Chris Algieri?
