DeGale-Dirrell: Hearn Confident of Bringing To The UK

As previously reported, Carl Froch has opted to vacate his IBF super-middleweight crown - leaving compatriot James DeGale to fight American Andre Dirrell for the title in April.

DeGale is the mandatory challenger for the IBF crown - but Froch has his sights set on a lucrative showdown with former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in Las Vegas.

DeGale defeated Brandon Gonzales on the undercard of the Froch-Groves re-match last year and is now in negotiations to fight Dirrell, with a bout expected to happen at London's O2 Arena on April 25.

If Dirrell steps aside, DeGale could also face Groves or Mexican Gilberto Ramirez for the belt. Dirrell has not been motivated to fight in the UK after losing a controversial decision to Froch several years ago in Nottingham.

"He hasn't been that keen to come to the UK, but I'm confident," said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing boss and promoter of DeGale. "When it's a 50-50 split, which is what's been ordered by the IBF, it's a lot easier to bring the fight over."