CHUNKS OF GOLD

James ‘Chunky’ Degale left his mark on the sport, both as an amateur and pro

1. ANDRE DIRRELL

Degale became the first Olympic gold medallist from Britain to go on and win a world title as a professional when outpointing Dirrell in Boston in 2015. He dropped the American twice in the second round and stayed one step ahead of him throughout.

2. LUCIAN BUTE

Bute’s shine was removed years earlier when Carl Froch blasted through him in Nottingham, but Degale’s 2015 decision win over the Canadian, in defence of his IBF title, was still a good one. What made it even more impressive was the fact it took place in Canada.

3. BADOU JACK

Although this 2017 unification war ended all square, one could argue it was the most exciting fight of Degale’s career and a very respectable result given the quality of Jack.

4. MARCO ANTONIO PERIBAN

Periban had never been stopped and was known for his durability. Degale managed to destroy him in three rounds.

5. BRANDON GONZALES

In 2014, Gonzalez was unproven yet undefeated in 19 pro fights when he was cut down to size by Degale inside two rounds at Wembley Stadium. Gonzalez never boxed again.

6. CALEB TRUAX

Degale’s first fight with Truax in 2017 was the night he lost his IBF title and a night he’ll want to forget. But the rematch in Las Vegas, four months later, showed the Londoner’s mettle and was his last big win.

7. PIOTR WILCZEWSKI

Tough pole Wilczewski rocked Degale at the midway point of their European title fight in 2011, but still didn’t win enough of the 12 competitive rounds they shared. Degale became the new champion via majority decision in his first bout since losing to George Groves.

8. PAUL SMITH

Smith was already a 30-fight veteran by the time Degale boxed him in just his ninth pro fight. The ninthround stoppage that followed was arguably one of Degale’s finest ever performances and landed him the British title.

9. CRISTIAN SANAVIA

In the first defence of his European title, Degale ventured to Denmark in 2012 to crush ageing Italian Sanavia inside four rounds. He didn’t have to get out of first gear.

10. GEVORG KHATCHIKIAN

Khatchikian was unbeaten in 20 fights when he was stopped by Degale in 2014.