DeGale sees Anfield plan hit by draw

James DeGale has blown his chance of a stadium-filling showdown with domestic rival Callum Smith – after scraping a majority draw against Badou Jack in New York on Saturday night.

DeGale was knocked down in the final round of their IBF and WBC super middle weight title bout, but he clung on to hear the final bell where scores of 113-113 (twice) and 114-112 in favour of Degale were announced.

The verdict meant DeGale kept hold of his IBF portion of the 12-stone title but failed to add Jack’s WBC belt, for which Smith is the mandatory contender.

With Jack now apparently intent ontitle to move up to light-heavyweight, Liverpool star Smith is set to fight for the vacant WBC crown, possibly against American Andre Dirrell.

Smith’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, admitted plans for a DeGale-Smith showdown – which could have taken place at Anfield – will now have to be put on hold.

Hearn said: “James DeGale wanted to fight Callum Smith and vice-versa. But it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that he (Smith) is fighting for the WBC title.”

DeGale’s record now stands at 23 wins, one draw and one defeat from his 25 professional contests, and he revealed afterwards that the bout had taken its toll.

The 30-year-old said: “He busted my ear drum and I lost my teeth. I thought I’d done enough but it was the knockdown.

“I’ve had 25 fights, I’m going to get better, I want the rematch! I’m glad I’m still the champ and I’m coming home with the title but I’m so upset that I didn’ t come with the W BC belt. The main thing is I didn’t lose,

“I’m still the champ and I can move forward.”

After such an exciting bout, another fight against Jack could potentially bring big money, but the WBC champion shrugged off DeGale’s suggestion of an immediate rematch.

And promoter Floyd Mayweather, who expressed anger with the majority draw verdict, confirmed that his charge will now pursue his career in the heavier category.