DeGale: I’ll fight again in 16 weeks
JAMES DeGALE is sure he will box again this year – despite requiring surgery on his shoulder.
The super-middleweight world champion will go under the knife in Manchester today to fix an injury that has plagued him for more than a year.
He expects to return to the ring within 16 weeks, having fought through the pain barrier against Rogelio Medina and Badou Jack.
DeGale said: “I have been operating at only 60 to 70 per cent and that showed against Jack.
“Thankfully, I’ve been good enough to get away with not being at my best, but I was almost found out in New York.
“Boxing is how I earn a living, so I have to be fit, but I was plagued by injuries for the last few years.
“But I will definitely be able to fight before the end of the year.”
The Londoner revealed that, despite his injury, he had agreed to face Callum Smith on July 1, but his fellow Brit will instead face Anthony Dirrell for the vacant WBC title in September.
DeGale is now hoping to face his bitter rival George Groves in a football stadium next year.