As previously reported, James DeGale believes he is 'destined' to become a world champion by beating Andre Dirrell this weekend. DeGale takes on Dirrell for the vacant IBF world title in Boston on May 23, live on Sky Sports, and he wants to add a world championship title to his Olympic gold medal from Beijing in 2008. He would become the first British boxer to achieve such a feat.
Dirrell (25-1, 16 KOs), who won an Olympic bronze in Athens in 2004, has never been a world champion and lost a split decision to Carl Froch in Nottingham in 2009. And DeGale is adamant that he will make history this weekend - Dirrell is confident he will take him to school.
"A title means everything. It completes you as a fighter. That's the top of the food chain in this sport, and that's the pedestal we're all trying to reach - world champion. Everybody wants to be a world champion. The greats had it and now we want it. It would mean more for my city, my family and my friends, and it's something I'll always be able to look back it. It would put me in the record books for life," Dirrell said.
"DeGale is not quiet. Today he's chilling, maybe because he's a little out of his comfort zone. But there's a lot of tension when you're standing right there next to your opponent. He might just be a little cranky today. I like to lighten the mood and stay comfortable. This is all a part of the game. Let's have fun now. It's ass-kicking time when we get in that ring, but outside it's all love.
"There was a time when I didn't want to do interviews. I didn't want to go to fights. I didn't want to hear fans online and on social media. I closed all them down because I didn't want to hear people ask, 'When are you fighting again? Talking about talent wasted, or saying I'm glad he's gone.' It hurt because there was nothing I could do. I was powerless even with all the power in the world."