Defeat won’t spell the end for DeGale, says Warren

Promoter Frank Warren insists James DeGale will not walk away from boxing despite the Londoner hinting at retirement following his shock defeat to Caleb Truax.

Truax, the 34-year-old American, was a 16-1 outsider to beat the former Olympic champion at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday night.

But DeGale, who was taken to hospital after the bruising encounter following a suspected broken nose, was no match for Truax and lost on a majority decision.

DeGale was making his comeback after nearly a year on the sidelines following shoulder surgery, and was expected to have despatched of Truax with a view to fighting long-term rival George Groves or Chris Eubank Jr in an all-British mega fight next year.

But the 31-year-old’s career now hangs in the balance after losing his IBF super-middleweight title with Eubank Jr describing his performance as “shameful” and Groves urging his long-term rival to hang up his gloves.

“I am devastated with my performance last night,” DeGale tweeted yesterday.

“I feel like I’ve let everyone down – myself, my family, friends and fans.

Warren, who already has one eye on a rematch with Truax, believes DeGale will fight on.

“I don’t think he will retire,” Warren said.

“It is not like he is a washed-up fighter. He is only 31 and he is still a young man.”