It’s hard to believe James DeGale’s career was once derailed after losing a razor-thin decision to George Groves way back in 2011. But eleven fights later, Britain’s ‘Chunky’ is back in the driver’s seat, and now the newly crowned IBF champ after outpointing Andre Dirrell in May.
DeGale, a 2008 Gold Medalist, is now in talks with Lucian Bute, negotiating the terms of a possible November 14th showdown in Quebec, Canada. Nothing’s in concrete yet, but there are a few good reasons this PBC fight has a good chance of getting off the ground and into the ring.
Before we get to it, DeGale stands at 21 wins, 14 knockouts, 1 defeat, while Bute carries 32 wins, 25 knockouts, 2 defeats.
For DeGale, this is a very winnable fight. High reward, low-medium risk. DeGale may have an awful habit of languishing at certain points during fights, but he shouldn’t have too many problems figuring out Bute’s weaknesses. Bute looked slightly more refined against Andrea Di Luisa in August, but as we all saw, Di Luisa was a fringe contender at best.
DeGale has no doubt learned a great deal about Bute from the Canadian’s savage defeat to Carl Froch in 2012, and to Jean Pascal in early 2014. Bute will also turn 36 in November, which would come as comforting news to DeGale who is six years his junior.
Sounds like Bute would be in for a rough night, right? Yes, probably. But the Canadian favorite would still represent one of DeGale’s toughest foes to date. Given DeGale’s ‘languishing habit’, Bute has a chance of taking home a points decision, and even winning by knockout given his notable power – though it’s unlikely he’d be able to blast away the Amateur standout.
This is a high risk fight, sure, but should carry a high enough reward with it. Given Bute is no longer considered an elite fighter, reflected in our (and many others’) Top 10 Rankings, this is the best opportunity available for him right now. It’s also probably the last world title shot he’ll ever get.
Both boxers are represented by PBC chief, Al Haymon, which will obviously help matters. You know, because he has mystical powers of negotiation, and always, apparently, delivers his pay checks on time. After all, there’s a reason his fighters’ thank him second to God post-fight, right?
Will this match-up be made? And who are you picking? James DeGale or Lucian Bute? Fire away with your thoughts.
Mark Phillips is the Head Staff Writer/Assistant Editor at BoxingBase.com, and provides worldwide news, coverage and analysis – he can be reached via our Contact Page.
