James DeGale has touched on experiencing an overwhelming feeling of shame following the surprising surrender of his IBF super middleweight world title to Minnesota local, Caleb Truax late last year.
DeGale seemingly struggled and looked drab, many have cited that he rushed himself back into action before returning to full fitness following a debilitating shoulder injury.
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Truax turned in a dogged and determined display to wrestle the title from the 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist.
The American was an overwhelming underdog coming into that fight and DeGale is bullish the difference in class will tell when they come together on their rematch date on April 7th.
“Caleb Truax is not on my level,” DeGale said following an open workout Thursday at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.
“I’m miles above him. On April 7, I’m going to show everyone why and show everyone what I’m all about.”
“As soon as the doctor said that some athletes come back after six months from my injury, I was determined to fight in 2017;” DeGale added.
“Everyone can see that I was slow in the ring. I was ashamed of my performance. It was embarrassing and I’m looking to erase that on April 7.
“I’ve watched the first fight with Truax a couple of times, but it’s very tough because I know that’s not me in there.”
For the past six weeks I’ve felt so much better. My jab is sharp again and everyone will see that when I become a two-time world champion.”
Additionally, DeGale realises Truax will be fired up to show his championship win did not come by chance.
“Truax has tasted what it’s like to be a world champion,” DeGale said.
“He’s going to be hungry and have that burning desire to beat me.”
“At the end of the day, I’m just too good for him and I’m going to prove it.”
“I have to make a statement;” DeGale concluded.
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