Gold medalist and newly crowned IBF champ James DeGale has never been a man short of confidence. The 29-year-old has assured that once he’s dealt with Canada’s former champ Lucian Bute on November 28th, he’ll be ready to take on even greater challenges.
And that includes the likes of Badou Jack, a versatile boxer-puncher who narrowly decisioned DeGale’s rival and 2011 conqueror George Groves.
“I think I am the best super middleweight out there right now,” DeGale told Boxing News. There are hard fights in the division … Badou Jack is a good fighter, but I think I beat him and beat him well if I stay switched on for the full 12 rounds.
“I want to prove I am the best, I will go anywhere to do it and that’s why I am defending my title in Canada. All the world champions in Britain have great rivals on the doorstep, so it’s a really exciting time domestically as well for boxing in Britain right now – but I firmly believe I beat everyone in this division.
“I like boxing away from home – maybe it’s time I started being called ‘the road warrior’. I won my world title in Boston [against Andre Dirrell] and now I am defending it in Canada against a classy opponent in Lucian Bute.”
DeGale went on to say he has enjoyed a gruelling but highly successful training camp under the careful watch of renowned trainer, Jim McDonnell.
“Nothing changes under Jim McDonnell – it’s all about hard work, long runs up Hampstead Heath, 15 round sparring sessions, five minute rounds in the gym – I’m always in great shape. We haven’t changed anything really.
“If anything, we’ve had to just adjust the mindset and train like a challenger even though I am the champion. That’s the way you have to think.”
Should DeGale get past Bute, near-future options could include the likes of Martin Murray, one of Britain’s best nearly-men who has come within touching distance of capturing world glory twice. DeGale had some positive words for Murray, who will be taking on Arthur Abraham in Germany this weekend.
“Arthur Abraham is still a tough customer and hopefully Martin Murray can do the business,” DeGale said. “I think he will beat him, although it’s hard to win in Germany.”
What’s your take on James DeGale’s perception of the Super Middleweight division? Is the Brit, who’s been criticised for running dry and languishing during the later rounds, capable of taking on the sternest tests at 168 pounds? Plus, who would you like to see DeGale matched against in his next ring outing?
