DeGale back in world mix
Not Classified: JAMES DeGALE will target a unification clash later this year against the winner of the World Boxing Super Series final.
DeGale regained his IBF super-middleweight belt in a bloody rematch with Caleb Truax in Las Vegas.
He will now look to avenge the only other defeat on his 27-fight record by targeting a rematch with WBA king George Groves, if he beats Callum Smith when they meet in the Super Series decider this summer.
On Saturday, DeGale was looking to put his shock December defeat by Minnesota man Truax behind him but in the third round a clash of heads opened a huge cut over the Briton’s right eye. Referee Robert Bryd wrongly called a punch caused the cut, which put DeGale, below, at risk of being stopped.
DeGale, who had started strongly, battled through and managed to regain control of the bout until he had a point deducted in the 10th for use of his shoulder.
It was a harsh decision but it did not prove costly as DeGale won the last two rounds to take it by 117-110, 114-113 and 114-113 on the cards.
“I’m a two-time champion and it feels great,” he said. “When I’m fit and injury-free, people are going to find it hard to beat me.
“I couldn’t see out of my right eye. I like the referee but today he was wrong. I’m just glad I got through it and I showed my heart. I’ve got my IBF world title back and I’m a proud IBF champion.”