DeGale looking for home contest

JAMES DeGale has his heart set on a triumphant homecoming fight if he is able to overcome Badou Jack in their world super-middleweight title unification contest at the Barclays Center in New York next weekend.

DeGale’s last four bouts have been outside the United Kingdom, the first of which saw him claim the vacant IBF title following an impressive unanimous decision victory over Andre Dirrell in Boston in May 2015.

Points victories over Lucian Bute in Quebec, Canada, and Rogelio ‘Porky’ Medina in Washington DC have followed, the latter setting up an intriguing clash with WBC champ Jack.

While DeGale has insisted that he is fully focused on the January 14 match-up, which is also for the venerated vacant Ring Magazine belt, and has enjoyed his time abroad he is eager to fight in his homeland.

More specifically, he is eyeing his home city of London as the venue for his next fight, with the winner of his forthcoming bout slated to fight the WBC’s mandatory challenger, and DeGale’s fellow Englishman Callum Smith.

DeGale said: “I like boxing away from home, it takes the pressure off you a little bit.

“I’m living the American Dream, I’m coming over to America, boxing in some fantastic states.

“All of my career I’ve done it the hard way, travelled away from home, won world titles. What I’ve done over in America for the past year and a half has been really good, I’m proud of myself.

“I’m just fully focused on Badou Jack. The big one’s here, the best fighting the best, champ versus champ.

“This is the one that I’ve been calling for.

“If everything goes to plan I will come back and box in London next fight, 100%.

“I know my next fight will be in London if I come through.”