The reigning IBF super-middleweight world champion, James DeGale makes his long-awaited return to the ring this Saturday, live at the Copper Box Arena in London.
DeGale was last in action in January of this year, when he participated in a fight of the year contender against Badou Jack.
DeGale suffered a torn rotator cuff in his right arm during that fight which is accountable for his 11-month hiatus from the ring, given he was going through his rehabilitation.
“I’ve had a bit of a stick about the opponent to be honest, but he’s ranked in the top 15. This is the perfect fight back,” said DeGale.
“He’s a fringe world-class opponent, I’ve just come off surgery and I’ll not have boxed for a whole year by the time I fight so people have to give me a squeeze really.
DeGale has argued given his recent schedule of fighting stellar names stateside, he deserves somewhat of a tune-up bout against a lower level of opposition.
“If you look at my last four fights I’ve fought Badou Jack, Rogelio Medina, Lucian Bute and Andre Dirrell all in North America.”
“I deserve someone who’s not a world beater. But, listen, these are the dangerous fights, these are the ones where you have to be switched on because he has nothing to lose. It’s his chance so I can’t take it for granted.”
On the topic of how his rehabilitation process has gone since the Jack fight, DeGale shared his shoulder in now once again in tip-top shape.
“Now I’m feeling super fit and it’s nice using my right hand for my jab,” added DeGale.
“In the fight with Badou Jack, I used seven jabs the whole fight, it was crazy. I’m feeling a lot better and taking one fight as it comes and not really thinking about retirement.”
Additionally, ‘Chunky’ shared that the fire is still burning inside him to achieve. DeGale also shared he feels he is back to his best and his jab is as sharp as ever, ahead of his meeting against Traux.
“I’ve not had too many hard fights. There are still things I want to achieve, titles I want to win. I’m still as hungry as ever.”
“The right shoulder is vital, being the one with which the southpaw employs his fast, and very effective, jab, which remains the cornerstone of his work.
You’re going to see a serious difference against Truax. You’ll see I’m really back to my finest.
READ MORE:
Deontay Wilder says don’t be surprised if Anthony Joshua gets knocked out in round one
Eddie Hearn: Povetkin – Hammer winner could be WBA mandatory for Joshua
Mayweather: I carried McGregor, De La Hoya a hypocrite and snorting lines