DeGale: After Smith, "Ugly Kid" George Groves is Next!
James DeGale has invoked the spirit of his Olympic victory ahead of his clash with Paul Smith. And he also said that after defeating the British champion, he'll push hard for a fight with George Groves.
The British title challenger claims he is in a similar position to that which he was in when he struck gold in Beijing.
Today, both fighters successfully made the 12 stone super-middleweight limit at a noisy public press conference.
DeGale was predictably booed, but he'll get a far worse reception at the Liverpool Echo Arena.
However despite being an overwhelming favourite, he claimed that all eyes were in fact on Smith.
"For the first time as a professional I've got no pressure," he told PA.
"He's got the world ranking, he's boxing in his home town. I'm just a cocky little prospect coming through.
"The last time I had no pressure was in Beijing, when I proved people wrong and won a gold medal.
"This puts me on target for where I want to be.
"I wanted to be fast-tracked because I know how good I am and where I'm going, and after I've won this I want to be fast-tracked even more.
"Ugly kid (rival George Groves) is getting it next but apart from that, give me 18 months and I'll be boxing for a world title after this."