After not being able to take part in the World Boxing Super Series at super middleweight because he was recovering from a torn rotator cuff. “After all this time away, I know I have to prove myself again to the British public,” DeGale told The Daily Mail.
DeGale shared his intention with his homecoming is to “Remind them that I am the No. 1 super middleweight in the world.”
Someone who may dispute that claim is George Groves who holds a victory over James DeGale from way back in May 2011.
DeGale shared his assertion that he is a superior fighter to Groves and is no way near the fighter he was when Groves defeated him.
Regarding Groves’ claim that he has surpassed DeGale, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist southpaw replied, “That’s bull. How can he justify that?
It’s going to be a great night at the Copper Box Arena 👊#TheBoysAreBackInTownpic.twitter.com/hIRyfnAPAs
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) December 6, 2017
“His so-called win over me was years ago and since then I’ve been winning world title fights against miles-better opponents than he’s been fighting.”
I was invited to a Q&A with George, but then disinvited,” DeGale said.
“I think he blocked me. So I don’t think he’ll want me at ringside up in Manchester in February,” DeGale jokingly added.
DeGale isn’t sure Groves can triumph against Eubank or Smith, whom DeGale expects to beat Braehmer.
He is more focused on his own return to the ring Saturday night against Truax.
https://twitter.com/boxnationtv/status/938075767732297728
“The main thing is that for the first time in three or four fights I will be boxing with two good arms,” DeGale said.
“I could hardly use my right in that epic fight with Badou Jack in January. I was beginning to wonder if my career might be over. But then, I am a warrior.”
“So I set my mind on being back before the end of the year. Once I did that, I knew I’d be OK and here we are. It’s been a long and painful recovery, but I had to have the operation and now I feel stronger than ever before,” DeGale concluded.
https://twitter.com/boxnationtv/status/938016038603640832
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