James DeGale wants to prove he is the best super-middleweight in the country and box the countries best on home soil next year.
‘Chunky’ returns from a shoulder operation to face Caleb Truax, at the Copper Box Arena, on December 9 – his first bout at home for two-and-a-half years – and has already targeted three big fights next year.
“It’s been a while and my last four fights have been in America and Canada, so I’m really looking forward to this fight,” DeGale said to Sky Sports.
“Let’s be honest, it is my homecoming. The last couple of years with me have been exciting and people have wanted me to come home and I am, so of course it will sell out.
“The plan is to have three fights next year and the plan is to box in London. I am a Londoner, I am proud to be one and I love my city, so this is where I want to stay.”
“If there is an opportunity where I have to go to fight in America – which is where everything seems to work out that way – it’s not a problem. But ideally, I’d like to stay in London and defend my world titles.”
The IBF 168lbs champion was not considered for the inaugural World Boxing Super Series tournament due to his injury, and must look on when arch-rivals George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr face-off in the semi-final next year.
DeGale will instead face little-known Truax upon his return, and admits that these are the bouts he must take seriously, with the Groves-Eubank Jr winner and WBC champion David Benavidez potential opponents on the horizon.
“I’ve had two groin operations a couple of years ago and now my shoulder and a nose operation I had as well, so for the past three or four years, I’ve been a walking mess,” he said.
“But I am healthy now, I am injury-free and I think you’re going to see the difference.
“I am not saying Truax is a world-beater, but he is a perfect opponent for me. He’s challenged for a world title before. This is his chance and these are the dangerous ones, if I am honest.
“They’ve got nothing to lose and will give it their all and he is going to try and take my world title away. He is the underdog so I will have to be switched on.
“I’ve got to perform as well, if I am honest, because it feels like I am due a stand-out dominant performance.”
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