While last week's confirmation of Carl Froch's rematch with George Groves was greeted with the fanfare it deserved, James DeGale continued plotting his muted route to a world title.

Seven victims have suffered at the hands of DeGale since he slipped to his only defeat in 18 professional fights, a controversial points loss to Groves in 2011 that he still contests.

The acclaim that accompanied DeGale's Olympic gold medal at Beijing in 2008 vanished completely as Groves boxed his way to victory at the O2 Arena and a series of low-profile outings followed.

Even allowing for a terrestrial presence on Channel 5, DeGale has almost slipped unnoticed into a position that brings him within touching distance of fulfilling his dream of becoming world champion.

Should he dispose of Badou Jack in a WBC sanctioned final eliminator, title holder Sakio Bika awaits.

"It has been very frustrating and that's been the story of my life recently. But that's over now," DeGale told ESPN.

"For the past couple of years I've been saying this is my year, but 2014 has to be my year. Everything is planned out now.

"I've been keeping quiet. A lot of people have been asking where have I been? Why haven't I been out there?

"But it's not felt like my time to run my mouth and be out there.

"But once I get that world title I'll be back and running my mouth.

"Back to the normal James 'Chunky' DeGale, trust me."

Before Badou and potentially Bika can be tackled, DeGale must first dispatch unbeaten Gevorg Khatchikian in another low-key fight in Bristol on March 1.

The City Academy, which is staging the showdown with Khatchikian, is humble at best when compared to the giant sporting arenas such as Wembley and the Emirates Stadium that are being considered for Froch and Groves to relive their epic first battle when they clash for a second time on May 31.

Such analogies mean nothing to DeGale, however, as he considers the possibilities of a year that could finally produce a change in fortunes.

"Potentially there are some crazy fights out there for me over the next 12 months. If everything goes to plan I can get this WBC world title," he said.

"If Groves beats Froch which is a 50-50 fight, then over the next nine to 12 months we can fight again.

"A DeGale-Groves rematch would be humongous, especially if there are a couple of world titles on the line.

"I need to get March 1 out of the way, then I'm boxing for a world title."