DeGale’s dream decade

JAMES DEGALE retired from boxing yesterday saying he had “nothing left to prove”.

The Londoner hung up his gloves following last Saturday’s defeat by Chris Eubank Jnr – 10 years to the day from his first professional fight.

DeGale, 33, became the first boxer to win Olympic gold for Britain and go on to win a world title in the pro ranks.

The Londoner claimed the 2008 Olympic title in Beijing before winning the IBF super-middleweight title against Andre Dirrell in 2015.

DeGale’s unanimous points defeat by Eubank was the third of his 29-fight record.

But he is still considered one of Britain’s best in the last decade, having won and defended his world title in America.

DeGale became a two-time world champion when he recaptured the IBF crown against Minnesota-man Caleb Truax in a rematch last year.

But shoulder and Achilles injuries in recent years have hampered him and he feels now is the right time to walk away from the ring for good.

He said: “It’s been an unbelievable journey and I’ve had an amazing decade – the best years of my life.

“It is hard to admit I’m not the fighter I once was, but I’m human and along the way my injuries have taken a toll on mind and body.

“I lost the fight on Saturday at The O2 but I’m touched to have got a good send off from the fans in my home city.

“The day after the fight, someone said to me that one fight does not determine a legacy.

“If someone had told me at the start of my career I’d become an Olympic gold medallist, a British, European and two-time world champion, I would never have believed them.

“I’m proud to say I made history as the first British Olympian boxer to turn professional and win a world title.

“There’s nothing left to prove. It’s time to hang up the gloves and to move on with my head held high.”