Slimline DeGale has enough to tame young lion
WILL the real James DeGale stand up and fight on the Greenwich peninsula tonight?
If so, en garde for a humdinger which ends with Chunky’s arm raised in resurrection of the first British boxer to have added a world title to Olympic gold and who is back in the hunt for more glory.
If not, Chris Eubank Jnr will sound the final bell on DeGale’s career and thereby revitalise his own interrupted campaign for a place in the loftier annals of the prize-ring.
Not often do matters of such import weigh on non-title fights, assuming we exclude the IBO super- middleweight belt from the catalogue of major world championships.
The fascination with this meeting of two men at the crossroads of their fighting lives is excited by the intensity of their rivalry.
The O2 stands braced for a collision of minds, mettle and no little malevolence.
If it were simply a question of skill and experience, DeGale would win hands down. If it was only about Spartan commitment to iron muscularity Eubank would bring the hammer down.
If styles alone made fights then judgment would depend on your preference between Chunky the boxer and Junior the battler.
If just age mattered then 33 playing 29 would argue in favour of the younger Eubank. It is the grudge factor which is imponderable but if DeGale really has got the deep needle about this particular opponent then Eubank beware.
DeGale insists: ‘I am always at my very best against someone I would really, really hate to lose to. Chris can be very annoying.
‘So for him I’ve gone back to what gave me my place in history. The hard work in a long training camp. The dedication. Making the sacrifices and living right all these weeks.’
But Junior wonders if Chunky’s reformation is for real: ‘I keep hearing he’s still out on the town at night.’
DeGale countered: ‘I know he’s clinging to my reputation as a party animal but I’m back to being one of the hardest workers in boxing, the super-fit fighter who won two world titles against serious opposition.’
Eubank takes heart, also, from his belief that DeGale is inclined to sit back on his laurels while he has ‘ the young lion’s hunger for greater achievements.’
DeGale said: ‘I need to win this to set up two more years and at least a couple of big title fights to add to my legacy.’
And he admits: ‘If I can’t beat someone as stupid and limited as Eubank I will have to retire.’
DeGale came in slightly lighter than Eubank at yesterday’s weigh-in. Eubank hit the scales a pound under the 12-stone limit.
DeGale was unexpectedly light at 11st 12lbs. That came as an indication of how much more diligently he has prepared than for recent fights.
The pair engaged in animated but smiling banter and DeGale gave Eubank a conciliatory pat on the arm, in contrast to the fiery exchange of insults 24 hours earlier.
DeGale chided his opponent, saying: ‘Sorry mate but if you can’t box, you can’t box.’
Both men looked in prime condition, Chunky clearly having trained for speed and Junior for extra strength against a naturally bigger man. Chunky by decision.
lDeGale v Eubank live tonight on ITV Box Office.