DeGale Says Dirrell Better Not Expect Chess Match

James DeGale is ready to create his own slice of history this weekend ahead of his bout with Andre Dirrell for the vacant IBF super-middleweight crown in Boston.

The Londoner is hoping to become the first British boxer to win an Olympic gold medal and a world title on Saturday evening.

Standing in his way is the highly-regarded Dirrell, whose only defeat in a 25-bout professional career came in a controversial points loss to DeGale's compatriot Carl Froch six years ago.

DeGale is not taking the threat of Dirrell lightly, but the 29-year-old is convinced he will emerge with his hand raised.

“I have done it before. Remember, I went to the Olympic Games back in 2008 and I won a gold medal when I was an 80-1 underdog.

“I have been all around the world as an amateur, boxing abroad, and I have brought back titles and results. I am confident of doing it again.”

DeGale’s confidences does not mean he is underestimating his opponent and he has every respect for Dirrell, whose only defeat was a split-decision loss to Froch in Nottingham in 2009 when he challenged the Cobra for his WBC title.

Like DeGale, he is a southpaw and won bronze at the Athens Games in 2004.

“He’s tricky,” he said. “He’s a good, tall southpaw. His professional record is nearly perfect, the only loss he has got is to Carl Froch. He’s a good technical fighter.

“It’s going to be a difficult fight, but it’s a fight I’m confident of winning. He thinks this will be a boxing match - this ain’t going to be a boxing match. I’m going in there and taking that title.”