DeGale keen to produce sharper display

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James DeGale has promised to produce a sharper performance against Fulgencio Zúñiga this weekend.

Harlesden’s European super-middleweight champion will be looking to end 2012 in style when he faces the 35-year-old Colombian at Hull’s Sports Arena.

DeGale returned from a period of inactivity in October, prevailing on points after a gruelling 12 rounds against Frenchman Hadillah Mohoumadi.

But the former Olympic gold medallist is determined to be more authoritative this time.

“I’ve got to use my feet a lot more than I did in my last fight – I was on the ropes for far too long,” he said.

“It wasn’t a vintage James DeGale performance. It was an okay performance but the main thing was that I got the win.

“This time I’m going to use my boxing skills, use my feet and box nicely. I’m going to show the fans how well I can box and put on a good, good performance.”

Having seen his career stall for several months because of a long-running dispute with his former promoter Frank Warren, Saturday’s clash, which will be live on Channel 5, will be DeGale’s second bout since signing with Mick Hennessy.

He is expecting to fight again as early as next month, with a world title challenge his aim for 2013.

DeGale said: “By the time I have this fight and the one in January, that’s three fights in four months, so I couldn’t really ask for more than that.

“It’s taken a lot of weight off of my shoulders. I can think properly now without having to worry about when I’m next boxing or anything else outside the ring – that’s over now.

“I’m ready for Saturday and I’m just looking forward to the future with Hennessy Sports and Channel 5.

“Next year is going to be a big year. I want to be busy and I’m making them strides towards a world title.”

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