James DeGale To Train, Spar With Floyd Mayweather Jr.

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

One of the more highly regarded prospects in British boxing, middleweight James DeGale, is going to train and spar with five-division champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the end of July. DeGale, a 2008 Olympic gold winner, faces Ciaran Healey at Manchester's MEN Arena on July 18. DeGale and his trainer Jim McDonnell met Mayweather in London during last month's media tour for Mayweather-Marquez. [details]

[Little Mac]

Take it easy on the ribs, James. I still want to see Pac-May....joke lang!

[Sox8055]

wtf? I thought Mayweather was injured and needs some time to heal?

[denboy]

Jimt McDonnell has the right idea, getting in work and sparring in the states will help Degale progress faster and ineviably become a more complete fighter. I am glad Khan has done the same, it would of been sooner if they werent so hesitant about the costs involved in obtaining Roach's services.

[PrettyBoy22]

On Floyds twitter he says he trained yesterday. May not really be him

[hookoutofhell]

high quality sparring is what makes a fighter but imo it needs to be over the long term not just a quick few rounds while the champ is cooling down.

part of me thinks maybe it is too soon for him, imagine if floyd turns it on and he completely humiliates 'chunky'. it would be better timing for james if he had 14/15 fights behind him because by that stage he would need to know what it takes to reach that higher level. nevertheless sharing the ring with the likes mayweather, JT and wright would be a helluva experience

[dstew]

Since when does Taylor operate out of Gleason's Gym in NYC? He trains in Miami.

[Ray*]

Good for him, I which more of our fighters would actually train/spar in the states abit more.

[Pullcounter]

could be good or bad. floyd could really mess with his head in sparring.

[roujinziro]

could be good or bad. floyd could really mess with his head in sparring.

I wouldn't be too worried about Floyd messing with DeGale's head. This Ali G look alike seems like he can talk circles around just about anyone. Plus with Floyd still recovering from rib injuries I doubt they'll go all out. This should be a good experience for DeGale to train with these former world champs. Floyd and Winky are defensive masters and with Taylor, maybe James can learn to pace himself so he doesn't gas out at the end of fights he's winning.