Next month, IBF world super middleweight champion James DeGale defends his world title against contender Caleb Truax on December 9th at the Copper Box Arena.
The London-based fighter - who’s struggled with a shoulder injury in recent years - is fully recovered and fit after a lengthy rehab. The focus is now on Caleb Truax but ‘Chunky’ still has one eye on the massive fights that could be made in 2018.
The IBF kingpin is eager to set-up the big fights in 2018 - stating to the BoxNation podcast: “George Groves, the rematch, everyone wants to see that and Callum Smith, who is also a quality fighter.”
DeGale also had Eubank Jr. in his firing line for the trash talk coming from Junior and Senior. Eubank Jr. is set for an IBO, WBA unification fight with Groves in February, as part of the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series super middleweight tournament.
“Next year will be my year, Eubank Jr. has a lot to say, so does his Dad. The Dad doesn’t shut his mouth, he’s got more mouth than the son! Eubank Jr. believes he’s the best. That’ll make it a good fight when it happens," DeGale said.
“Listen even now, I don’t even want to fight George Groves as much as I want to fight Eubank! I want the biggest names, I want to be a two-time world champion.”
Eubank has reacted back to DeGale's comments and says their fight has to happen down the line.
"He has to fit into my plans," said Eubank Jr. to Sky Sports. "One, because he has a world title in the weight division I'm in.
"Two, because we have a legitimate rivalry. We clash, to put it lightly. Three, the fans have been asking for that fight for years, it has to happen."
BoxNation subscription is £12 per month plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV. €15 per month plus €10 registration fee for ROI Sky TV customers. £11 per month with no registration fee for Virgin Media customers. £12 per month and no registration fee for TalkTalk, Freeview, EE, online and app (iOS, Android, Amazon) customers. No minimum term.