DEGALE ON TRACK

JAMES DEGALE

[above] will defy his critics and come back better than ever after recovering from an operation which solved a long-term shoulder injury, according to his trainer Jim Mcdonnell.

Degale underwent surgery on his right shoulder earlier this month, during which a 180-degree tear was found – extending his projected recovery time.

He last fought in January, battling to a draw with Badou Jack

in a gruelling fight, and Mcdonnell – who has trained James for his entire professional career – still hopes he will return to action before the end of the year.

“It’s just wear and tear over the years, he’s had [the injury] for a while now. People don’t realise how good he is, he’s literally boxed as a wounded soldier. Obviously he’s done his training and everything but it plays with your subconscious at the back of your mind,” he told Boxing News.

“I’m just so excited about how good he’s going to be. As good as he is, he’s mustard, even in the Badou Jack fight, he’s better.

“James is so strong. Mentally, he’s so strong. He’s the strongest boxer, mentally, I’ve ever met. He defies everything. To do the things he’s done is incredible. Sport at the top level is 80 per cent mental, James is 100 per cent mental, and that’s what gives him an advantage over everyone.”