James DeGale: record, next fight and profile →
According to promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, we are only a few days away from the official notification to announce James DeGale's defense of the IBF super middleweight championship against former beltholder Lucian Bute.
A few days ago, BoxingScene.com reported that a deal was being negotiated for IBF super middleweight champion James DeGale (21-1, 14KOs) to defend his belt against Canadian superstar Lucian Bute (32-2, 25KOs). The fight is reportedly close, but not finalized as of yet. The fight was being targeted for November 14th at the Videotron Centre in Quebec. Sources are now indicating that November 28th is appearing to be the more likely date for Bute's return.
On Tuesday, BoxingScene.com confirmed the recent rumblings in Canada, regarding a November super middleweight collision between recently crowned IBF champion James DeGale (21-1, 14KOs) and Canadian superstar Lucian Bute (32-2, 25KOs). Later that day, we reported that a high profile light heavyweight doubleheader was also being targeted for November. That doubleheader would see Isaac Chilemba and Eleider Alvarez battle it out in a WBC final eliminator and a final IBF eliminator between Artur Beterbiev and Sullivan Barrera.
BoxingScene.com has confirmed some of the recent rumblings in Canada, regarding a super middleweight collision between recently crowned IBF champion James DeGale (21-1, 14KOs) and Canadian superstar Lucian Bute (32-2, 25KOs). The working date is November 14th in Quebec. The Videotron Centre, which holds over 20,000, is the venue being pursued. There has been no confirmation as to which Premier Boxing Champions network is being targeted for the fight.
Declan Taylor catches up with Matchroom Sports promoter Eddie Hearn to discuss the career of Lee Selby, Selby going to Al Haymon, the loss by George Groves and where that leaves his rematch with James DeGale, and more.
George Groves came up short in his third attempt to win a world title after a split-decision loss to Badou Jack, who retained his WBC super-middleweight crown in Las Vegas. Groves overcame a first-round knockdown at the MGM Grand and fought valiantly in the first half of the bout but his Swedish-born opponent was the superior fighter in the championship rounds. While the Briton earned the nod on one of the judge's scorecards 114-113, Jack took the other two by scores of 115-112 and 116-111 to hand Groves the third loss of his professional career - following a pair of world-title defeats to compatriot Carl Froch.
James DeGale says he 'rooting' for long-time enemy George Groves to win the world title - so he can beat him next year at Wembley Stadium. The IBF world super-middleweight champion is hoping his bitter rival beats Badou Jack on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto undercard on Saturday night, to become the WBC equivalent. And although DeGale always refers to him as 'Ugly Kid', he believes Groves has what it takes to become Britain's latest world champion.
Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport is not threatened by James DeGale's decision to sign a managerial deal with powerful adviser Al Haymon. DeGale captured the IBF super middleweight title in May with a twelve round unanimous decision over Andre Dirrell. The fight headlined Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card in Chicago. Haymon's company, Haymon Boxing, created the PBC series.
London’s James DeGale took to Twitter today to announce that he has joined forces with high-powered boxing adviser Al Haymon. The announcement comes six weeks after DeGale claimed the IBF Super middleweight title, outpointing Andre Dirrell in late May. The bout took place on NBC in the United States as part of Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions series.
Jim McDonnell admitted to it being a “crazy time” following James DeGale’s points win over Andre Dirrell on May 23. The victory brought particular joy to McDonnell who has trained ‘Chunky’ for his entire professional career, overseeing the Londoner’s ascent to British, European and now world champion status in a high level super middleweight division. “It was a long camp, probably a bit too long but it all paid off for him in the fight,” Jim told BoxingScene.