DeGale loses title in huge upset

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James DeGale lost his IBF super-middleweight title in a major upset at the Copper Box Arena.

In what was regarded as a tune-up fight after nearly a year out of action, DeGale, 31, was beaten on points by unheralded American Caleb Truax, who was a huge underdog.

Harlesden’s former Olympic champion, who suffered facial injuries in a brutal draw with fellow world champion Badou Jack in January and has since had major shoulder surgery, struggled for most of the contest and was hurt badly in the fifth round.

DeGale, 31, came on strong in the second half of the bout but it was not enough to deny Truax, who defied the odds to dramatically take the belt.

One of the judges scored the fight 114-114, while the other two had it 115-112 and 116-112 to Truax.

DeGale’s only previous defeat came against his arch rival and fellow West Londoner and world champion George Groves in 2011. 

A rematch between the pair was among a number of possible fights DeGale was lining up for next year.