By Terence Dooley
Newly-minted WBA International super-middleweight title holder James ‘Chunky’ DeGale believes that he is destined to go all the way, the 7-0 (5) prospect netted gold at the 2008 Games and is now eyeing the prestigious domestic titles. Indeed, the 24-year-old already believes that he is the best 168lb fighter in the UK, which will come as news to Paul Smith, who holds the British title, and Brian Magee, the EBU boss.
“To be honest, I am the best domestically already,” said DeGale when speaking to Iain Axon of www.frankwarren.tv. “Me and Frank have had a chat and some names have been mentioned, a few of which are from the North West without giving too much away! But I know I can beat anyone out there at the minute domestically, and I will prove that by taking out who ever is put in front of me.”
Smith, 29-1 (15), hails from Liverpool; he could be one of the North West-based fighters under consideration. ‘Smigga’ is respected, experienced and also boxes under the banner of Frank Warren Promotions, could an in-house domestic clash be in the offing? Smith has recently been called out by George Groves and is currently waiting on a fight date, as is DeGale.
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