Eubank’s on Degale wish-list
JAMES DEGALE is in talks with Chris Eubank Junior over a mouthwatering, money-spinning fight.
The 32-year-old confirmed on Wednesday that he had vacated his IBF super-middleweight belt so he could focus on a big-money match-up instead of facing a mandatory challenger.
And that has paved the way for a clash with Eubank Junior, whose last outing saw him succumb to Degale’s old foe George Groves back in February.
Groves will face fellow Englishman Callum Smith in September in the supermiddleweight final for the World Boxing Super Series, with Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, emerging as the likely venue.
And should Degale beat Eubank Junior around the same time of year, he will hope to meet the winner of Groves v Smith.
Degale lost his IBF title in December to American Caleb Truax but won it back in April. However, he announced his decision to relinquish it so he could pursue what he described as “massive fights.”
Confirming his decision, Degale said: “My team have been working very hard and we’ve got some very big, exciting news to announce soon.
“No world champion easily gives up his title.
“I’ve proudly held the IBF title in two reigns with pride and distinction, which is why it makes it a very hard decision to relinquish the belt.
“I’m in the final phase of my career with a few good years left to be involved in massive fights and really leave a legacy.”
Degale had been expected to face Venezuelan fighter Jose Uzcategui, who is ranked No.1 with the IBF.
A fight with middleweight Billy Joe Saunders had been mooted but Saunders, who pulled out of a clash with Martin Murray this month, will be expected by the WBO to face Demetrius Andrade.