By Elliot Foster

James DeGale is targeting a return to the ring before the end of the year.

The IBF super-middleweight world champion took to social media to announce that he is punching again after shoulder surgery.

DeGale (23-1-1, 14 KOs) has been out of the ring since January when he held on to his crown by the skin of his teeth following a draw against then-WBC champion Badou Jack in a unification showdown at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

But he is readying himself to come back to the squared circle and has hinted that he will be back in action ahead of 2018.

Having suffered a 180-degree around his shoulder and with his AC joint needing to be re-stabilised, DeGale –– who had been boxing with the injury since beating Andre Dirrell to win the world title in 2015 –– took the time out to have it repaired.

Not only was it one thing, but the 31-year-old was also suffering from a nose injury and a torn rotator cuff, all of which are now on the mend.

“[This is the] first workout where I’ve punched this week in [the past] 13 weeks,” DeGale wrote on Instagram alongside a video of him being introduced ahead of one of his previous fights.

“[It] feels like I’ve got a new shoulder. [I] can’t wait to get back into camp and defend my title in December.”

DeGale has long clamoured for a homecoming defence of his belt, having been on the road since being declared a world champion two years ago and there are strong rumours within the trade that the Hammersmith southpaw will get his wish, potentially with the O2 Arena in London being named as the venue.

Further details will be revealed in due course.