DeGale Can See World Stage on the Horizon

James DeGale returned from the 2008 Beijing Olympic games decorated in gold, several steps closer to a professional contract and illuminated by the media spotlight. Post-Beijing, the Londoner has signed a six-figure deal with Frank Warren and proceeded to carve out an impressive professional record of 8 wins and no losses.

The initial struggles DeGale endured when making the transition from amateur to professional were inevitable, but the level of scrutiny and degree of public expectation that accompanied his medal cannot have been anticipated.

DeGale did his part to alleviate accusations of feather-fists upon his return to Birmingham in September, when he stopped Carl Dilks in the opening round of their WBA International super-middleweight clash. The fight took place in the same city that ruthlessly booed DeGale on his debut, with a cruel if ignorant section of the crowd demanding more than the performance of a jab-and-move amateur.

That night DeGale’s opponent was Vepkhia Tchilaia – a Georgian who had lost six of his previous seven fights – with the fight taking place on the same bill as fellow British Olympians Billy Joe Saunders and Frankie Gavin.

Where Saunders and Gavin recorded stoppages, DeGale decided to stand off and box, seemingly content with a four-round points victory. It was a performance that reeked of the amateur ranks and the baying crowd were not convinced. Degale’s natural confidence and flashy style were mistaken for arrogance and the relentless jeers of an idiotic horde rang out.

“People haven’t properly seen me yet – I’ve got heaps of heart,” he insists, palpably eager to prove his ability. His debut showcased an array of skills that attracted praise from the likes of Joe Calzaghe, who described DeGale as “very talented”, though a knockout punch was never landed.

That night Frankie Gavin was drawn into a scrap, perhaps displaying more of an ego by refusing to have his macho persona discolored, but the crowd were appeased by the excitement of it all. The bridge of Gavin’s nose was split and subsequently stitched, whilst DeGale emerged with an untarnished record and an unblemished face.

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He displayed a composure and discipline beyond his years, with Tchilaia barely laying a punch on his elusive opponent. But whilst he effortlessly shifted out of range and consistently landed accurate combinations, he simply was not hitting hard enough.

“On December 11 people are going to see a different side to me,” says DeGale without hesitation. The talented Londoner is referring to his upcoming clash with Paul Smith for the British super-middleweight title, with the speed of his progress verified by him deserving such an opportunity after less than two years in the professional game.

“Preparations are going fantastic, if anything I’m ahead of schedule. I’ve been in the gym and by the time fight night comes I will have done 10 weeks non-stop. So, I’m super-fit already and I’m looking forward to it, I can’t wait.”

Despite his fitness, boxing statisticians will note that DeGale has only accumulated 21 rounds of boxing as a professional, a total surpassed by Paul Smith in his last two bouts. The disparity in experience ensures the fight is stirringly poised, a skirmish between talented upstart and skilled veteran.

“I’ve been getting heaps of hours and rounds in the boxing gym and been working on 15 round sparring with Jim McDonald, who is a fitness fanatic. I’ll never be unfit for a fight, I’ll always be prepared. No one needs to be worried if it does go into the later rounds.”

But the battle DeGale has had to endure to win over public opinion has far surpassed any conflict he has encountered in the ring to date. Recording a series of impressive performances since his debut has certainly turned the tide in his favour, with the Harlesden-born super-middleweight stopping six out of his last seven opponents inside the distance. In another display of maturity, the 24-year-old listened to his critics and made the appropriate adjustments.

“Everyone has seen the James DeGale going in there when everything is going my way and I’m winning easy – but this time I’m boxing the best in the weight in the country. So when I beat him, I’ll take all his rankings and that’s me on the way to a World title.”

He confidently enters Liverpool’s Echo Arena off the back of an impressive first round stoppage of Carl Dilks, with the Londoner already looking to begin climbing the ladder towards success on the world stage. Victory on December 11 will almost certainly pave the way for a clash with amateur rival George Groves.

Tensions have been simmering between the former Dale Youth ABC stable-mates since DeGale infamously secured a middleweight gold in Beijing in 2008, despite Groves defeating him en-route to a 2006 ABA title win.

“The ugly kid?” DeGale jokes when questioned about a possible bout between the pair. “British fans are in for a nice ride for the next couple of years, because there are some great domestic fights. Boxing in general is on a high and so is British boxing.

“When I get through Smith, next year people should look forward to an excellent showdown for the British and Commonwealth titles.”

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James DeGale trains using Lonsdale boxing equipment and apparel. Lonsdale are celebrating 50 years. For more information go to www.lonsdale.com