DeGale in line for world title eliminator

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James DeGale looks set to face the unbeaten Badou Jack in a final eliminator for a shot at the WBC world super-middleweight title.

The WBC [World Boxing Council] has called for the bout to take place after Marco Antonio Periban withdrew from a planned fight with Harlesden’s former Olympic champion.

Jack, a Swedish-born Gambian based in Las Vegas, is currently under the Mayweather Promotions umbrella.

He has won 16 and drawn one of his 17 professional contests – the draw coming against Mexican Periban last year.

Hennessy is in talks.
Hennessy is in negotiations.

A victory for DeGale against the 30-year-old would secure a showdown with the WBC’s world champion Sakio Bika.

“This is the fight I’ve been aiming towards and it’s one I’m going to take with both hands – I’m 100% fit, 100% hungry and I’m good to go,” DeGale declared.

DeGale wants the fight to take place on 1 March and in a message to his planned opponent, he said: “I hear that you’ve been training for a while now, so let’s get it on and make it a night to remember.

“You’re in my way and I’m in your way, so please don’t do a Periban!”

DeGale, 27, currently holds the WBC Silver title and has also been British and European champion.

His only defeat as a professional came in May 2011, when he lost a close points decision against his arch-rival and fellow West Londoner George Groves, who fought Carl Froch for the IBF and WBA world titles in November.

“James is a proven world-class fighter and I’m delighted to have secured him this opportunity, because he has worked so hard for his chance,” said DeGale’s promoter Mick Hennessy.

“He has done things properly; he became ABA champion, Olympic gold medallist, turned professional, went on to win the British title, then the European title and now is the WBC Silver title holder.

“He has paid his dues so it is only right that he goes on towards the prestigious world title.

“We’re now in the private negotiation period and if we cannot come to an agreement with Jack’s representatives it will go to purse bids on 14 February.

“We have already made an offer to Mayweather Promotions for this fight to take place in England on 1 March and we are awaiting a reply.

“The great thing about eliminators and mandatory positions is that fighters are forced to face each other, as no-one was in a hurry to face James.”

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