On Saturday, Caleb Truax shocked the boxing world when he overwhelmed James DeGale in a relentless fashion, to claim the IBF world super-middleweight title.
With that defeat, DeGale suffered the second defeat of his career and the first defeat since he lost to domestic rival, George Groves. That loss came in 2011, while he was still rising through the rankings.
Speaking with BBC Radio 5 live following the fight, ‘Chunky’ did share his belief that he felt he had done enough to win.
“I honestly did [think I’d won], I’ve got to go back to the drawing board.”
DeGale also detailed the enormous stress his body has been under following the fight. The former champion shared his view that he is dealing with a nose and shoulder which are not in tip-top shape.
Furthermore, Truax questioned his opponents’ focus going into the fight. DeGale was constantly referencing future bouts with Chris Eubank Jr, George Groves, David Benavidez and Gilberto Ramirez. Truax says that was a grave mistake.
Good to see the new IBF World Super-Middleweight Champion @GoldenCalebT at today’s weigh-in! pic.twitter.com/TWMj2u0zpO
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 12, 2017
“My nose is blocked again, I’ve got to sort it out;” DeGale added.
In the lead up to the fight with Truax, DeGale and his team shared that the shoulder was in its best possible condition following tearing his rotator cuff in the fight against Badou Jack in January.
DeGale has since suggested following the fight that the shoulder still represents an ongoing problem. In hindsight, DeGale suggested he should have given his shoulder more time before embarking on his homecoming.
“The shoulder – I had serious reconstruction – there’s no pain but I’ll have to go back, have a look and see. I’ve probably rushed back to be honest, maybe I should have waited (until) next year.”
Devastated with my performance last night. Feel like Ive let everyone down – myself, my family, friends and fans. I dont want 2 be in any other position than No1 so going to take some time out 2 reflect and make some decisions goin forward.Thank u all for your love & support ??
— James DeGale (@jamesdegale1) December 10, 2017
“He was most definitely looking past me,” Truax said to the Star Tribune.
“He wasn’t talking about the fight that was two days away. The American native, also said “He was talking about who he’s going to fight after he beats me. In boxing, you can’t do that.”
On the topic of his triumph, Truax shared “It still hasn’t sunk in.” following his capturing of the IBF world super-middleweight title.
Truax did, however, credit his opponents’ toughness and durability. “I came here to win. I give him credit because I hit him with some huge shots and he stood up to them and didn’t go down.”
“He has the resolve of a champion. But after that, he was hurt.”
In the lead up to this fight, Truax was constantly overlooked as merely a tune-up for the 2008 Olympic Gold medalist. Truax, however, shared he always maintained total confidence in his ability to pull off the victory.
The American added that he feels DeGale’s distracted focus allowed him to take him by surprise.
“I wouldn’t have come all this way if I wasn’t confident in the fight,” Truax concluded.
To everyone who watched or had me in their thoughts, THANK YOU! Thank you to my family, my great friends, my team, and my fans. Thank you. THANK YOU! #TeamTruax #boxing #CutNoCorners pic.twitter.com/cewsgPuufK
— caleb truax (@GoldenCalebT) December 10, 2017
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