By Terence Dooley
James DeGale has been likened to Marmite during his short professional career, fans either love his brash approach or baulk at his perceived arrogance. DeGale takes on Matthew Barr at the Wembley Arena this Saturday night and is fresh off a war of words with fellow hopeful George Groves, who recently challenged James to a fight on the Haye-Ruiz undercard.
For this writer, James’s patter is often accompanied with a twinkle in the eyes; BoxingScene.com caught up with DeGale recently and there seemed a hint of devilment in his voice when we mentioned the fact that a few domestic fighters have been invoking his ire recently.
“There are a couple of loudmouths wanting to life off my name, they know who they are,” stormed DeGale. “Domestically there is no one to live with me or beat me but a few guys want to jump onto my name. I have also heard that Kenny Anderson made the point of bringing up my name. They do that because they want to live off my fame as I’m the golden ticket, give me the chance and they are all getting knocked out.”
Perhaps, but the fact that people are dropping his name is a good reflection on the impact DeGale’s made. “That is a good way to put it as it is flattering – I like it,” laughed the confident 24-year-old southpaw.
Still, DeGale will now put the words to one side and will have to do his talking where it counts, in the ring, come Saturday night and his appearance will no doubt by followed by a few stern words for his rivals, which will music to the ears of those fans who like a bit of brash with their bash.
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