Report: James DeGale’s Opponent For December Revealed
According to Boxing News, the current IBF World super middleweight champion James DeGale will defend his title against Caleb Truax on December 9th at the Copper Box in London.
DeGale last fought against Badou Jack in Brooklyn, New York in January and the fight ended in a disappointing draw. The British boxer retained his IBF title and will fight on UK soil for the first time since 2014 against Truax.
The opponent hails from Minnesota, USA and has a record of 28 wins (18 KO’s), 3 losses (2 KO) and 2 draws. Truax is not a journeyman by any standards. He’s been in the ring with top names such as Anthony Dirrell and Danny Jacobs.
DeGale has been recovering from his lingering shoulder injury and therefore has not seen any action for almost a year. The Londoner is eyeing a lot of potential opponents for 2018, including the winner of the Super Series.
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đź‘‘ Super Series winner?đź—Ł @jamesdegale1 outlines his 2018 plans after December 9th return. pic.twitter.com/9QoROoYjll
— BoxNation (@boxnationtv) November 2, 2017
DeGale is especially eager to get payback at George Groves who beat him in 2011 via majority decision. It is the only loss on DeGale’s record.
The IBF World super middleweight champion wants Groves to go all the way in the Super Series tournament in hopes of a title unification bout in 2018.
“They’re doing this tournament without the best super-middleweight in the world. I intend to prove that by beating the winner. And boy do I want it to be George. One, I need my revenge. Two, it would be a huge stadium fight in London,” said DeGale in a press conference last month.
DeGale famously switched promoters this year as he jumped ship from Eddie Hearn’s stable back over to Frank Warren’s team.
“Uncle Frank is back in this business. He’s old school and I like that. Look back now and you can see that he showed them all how it’s done.
“I honestly didn’t think I’d ever work with Frank again. But business is business, I’ve matured, let bygones be bygones.
“And I actually like Frank now. He’s funny. Reminds me of my grandad who was hard, ruthless – and funny,” told DeGale.
It goes without saying that Warren is more than happy to be a part of DeGale’s homecoming.
“We made some inquiries. Al Haymon obviously looks after him in the states and we just got it over the line. Let’s get him on in December and see what we can do.
“I’m delighted that we are doing his homecoming. Let’s get this fight out of the way and see how it all pans out,” commented Warren.