Medina: James DeGale Will Be Difficult, But Not Impossible To Beat

By Ben Jacobs

Rogelio ‘Porky’ Medina (36-6, 30 KOs) will have his first shot at a world title when he challenges James ‘Chunky’ DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) on April 30 in Washington D.C.

Medina will look to become the second Mexican in the space of just a few weeks to become a belt holder at 168lbs following Gilberto Ramírez’s successful capture of the WBO belt against Arthur Abraham on April 9.

The 27-year-old, who has mixed with world class opposition already in his career, recognised the quality of Britain’s DeGale when discussing the fight with BoxingScene.com before flying out to Big Bear, California for the remainder of his training camp.

“DeGale is a pretty quick fighter, he has a lot of quality,” he conceded. 

“I see him being a bit complicated, not impossible but he will be difficult.

“I’ve seen a few of his fights, his most important ones, the last few especially I have examined quite well. I’ve seen that he does get hit with shots and we will base a lot of our preparation on that.”

Medina will be confident particularly as he is on a good run of form which started with his knockout victory over J’Leon Love in August, 2014, a bout that he believes was the best night of his career thus far.

“My best win was against J’Leon Love; he was one of the best fighters that I had fought in terms of his quality.  It was a win that people weren’t expecting and I worked hard for that win.

“We’ve been working well in the gym and that gives me the confidence and security to know that I’m going to do well in the fight.  I come from the middleweight division but I’m now adapted to super middleweight. 

“I will prepare 100% as I always do but, fighting for a world title does make training a bit more interesting, you dedicate even more time in the gym.  It’s very special.  I’m going to give my best to come out on top.”

The WBC super middleweight belt will also be on the line on the very same bill when former Medina rival Badou Jack defends against former DeGale opponent, Lucian Bute.  Rogelio is of the belief that Jack will retain his title.

“I look at Jack as the winner based on his strength, I’ve fought him and I think he’ll be too strong for Bute.

“As the challenger Bute is also hoping to win just like me, we can then talk about a fight between me and Bute as everyone is already talking about DeGale vs Jack!”