Confident DeGale predicts ‘explosive’ win
James DeGale has promised to produce an “explosive performance” in Saturday’s super-middleweight clash with Dyah Davis.
Harlesden’s Olympic gold medallist, 27, will be defending his WBC Silver title against the experienced American at Glow, Bluewater.
A victory would keep DeGale on course for a world title shot, which his promoter Mick Hennessy has insisted is in the pipeline.
The WBC’s world champion Sakio Bika has been touted as a possible future opponent and DeGale is also a contender to face the winner of this month’s world title showdown between Carl Froch and Hammersmith’s unbeaten challenger George Groves.
“I’ve trained extremely hard for this fight,” said DeGale, who won the European title after losing his British crown to arch-rival Groves on a close points decision in May 2011.
“When I get past this there are some massive fights out there for me. I’m in the perfect position.
“I’m taking Davis seriously but I can’t wait for what’s around the corner and am looking forward to putting on a great performance.
“It was a big step up to win the European title and in my next couple of fights after leaving Frank Warren I thought I’d probably be fighting for a world title, but I’m still in a great position.
“You’re going to see an explosive performance. The way I’m feeling, I can’t see Davis going 12 rounds. If he does, he’ll have done well.”
Hennessy, who signed DeGale following the fighter’s acrimonious split from promoter Warren, says Davis represents a serious test.
But the 32-year-old, who was stopped in the 10th round by Bika last year, is very much the underdog.
“In my opinion James is already the best 168-pound fighter in Britain,” Hennessy declared.
“We’ve got the best of Britain against a top American for the right to move on and fight for major titles. He [Davis] fought Bika and gave a good account of himself.
“If James does what we believe he can, then he’s going to be a world champion. This can lead to massive fights with Froch, Groves, [WBO champion] Robert Stieglitz or even Andre Ward.
“I think that with the right preparation James can beat Froch or Groves and win in style.
“There aren’t many domestic box-office fights out there and for the winner of that fight, who else is box office? James is box office.”
Tickets for DeGale v Davis at Glow, Bluewater, on 16 November are priced from £40 and are available from the Hennessy Sports Box Office on 01925 755 222, at http://hennessy.ticketline.co.uk or alternatively by contacting Tickeline.co.uk or by phone on 0844 888 4402 or via Ticketmaster.co.uk or by phone on 0844 847 2500.
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
