Fit-again DeGale has a big 2018 ahead of him
James DeGale still has some business to take care of this year. But he wants that to be the platform he needs for a huge 2018.
DeGale is back in the ring next Saturday night when he defends his IBF World Super Middleweight crown against American Caleb Truax at the Copper Box Arena in London.
It will be the Londoner’s first fight since January when he retained his title with a controversial draw against Badou Jack in New York.
That night, DeGale kept his belt and Jack kept his WBC version, but the result was unsatisfactory for all concerned.
DeGale has not fought since, but has recovered from shoulder surgery, which he believes was a major factor in his last couple of performances.
“I feel rejuvenated,” he says. “I was fighting with an injury for the last two fights and it was driving me mad.
“I was getting up in the morning and having to spar with it.
“But it’s so nice using my right hand again and using my jab. I only threw seven jabs in my last fight. It’s like I was boxing handicapped.
“Now I’m feeling a lot better again. I feel a much better fighter.
“It has been a long road back but I can’t wait for Saturday night. I’ve taken a bit of stick for my choice of opponent, but this is the perfect fight as I’ve not boxed for nearly a whole year.
“Truax is a fringe world-class opponent. But these are the dangerous fights because he has nothing to lose.”
It’s the former Olympic champion’s first bout in the UK since 2014 and if he does the business, he is looking at an all-British super-fight next year.
DeGale would love a crack at whoever emerges as the winner from the current Super-Middleweight Super Series which features Chris Eubank Jr., Callum Smith and old rival, George Groves – who is still the only man to beat DeGale.
“Those are the fights people want to see,” admits the IBF World Champion. “I would happily box any of them.
“Watching the Super Six is exciting, but the difference is I’m the champion. I’m proven, they’re not.
“I don’t need to fight Groves again. I’m content with what I’ve done and I could happily retire this year.
“But I’m a young and fresh 31, and I’ve not got too many hard fights under my belt.
“I’m not even thinking about retiring because there are still things I want to achieve in boxing and titles I want to win.”