DeGale tells promoter to deliver title fight

James DeGale says promoter Mick Hennessy must prove he is serious about getting him a world title shot.

DeGale relinquished the European super-middleweight belt after signing with Hennessy last year, choosing instead to defend the WBC silver title he believed would help his pursuit of a world championship.

The Harlesden man successfully retained that belt with a wide points victory against experienced American Dyah Davis at Glow, Bluewater, on Saturday.

But he has become increasingly frustrated at his apparent lack of progress and has cast doubt over whether his working relationship with Hennessy will continue.

“I don’t want to keep treading water and it’s down to Mick to get me the fights he said he would,” DeGale told West London Sport.

“When I gave up the European title I thought I’d be fighting for a world title, so I am very frustrated.

“I need to kick on now. Mick’s got to deliver. If he doesn’t, I don’t know if we can progress.”

DeGale’s unspectacular bout against Davis took place a week before his rival and fellow West Londoner George Groves, who beat him on points in May 2011, challenges Carl Froch for the IBF and WBA titles.

Hennessy has suggested that DeGale could face the winner of that bout and has defended his decision not to rush the 27-year-old towards the top level. 

The more likely option seems to be a final eliminator against Mexico’s Marco Antonio Periban for a shot at the WBC’s world champion Sakio Bika.

“I’m ready to fight any of the world champions but at the end of the day it’s up to Mick to make it happen,” said DeGale.

“I’ve had my learning fights and need to be in there mixing it up with the big boys. Enough’s enough now, it’s time.

“Next year I’ve got to get there – I was saying the same thing last year too. Mick’s got to sort it out.”

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