DeGale to take on Colombian veteran

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James DeGale will face Fulgencio Zúñiga of Colombia at the Sports Arena in Hull on Saturday 8 December.

The bout will be for the WBC silver championship and the 35-year-old Zúñiga, who has a record of 25-6-1 (22 KOs), believes he has the experience to stop DeGale’s march towards a world title shot.

“He might not think I have his experience but he will have a different view after I beat him on the 8th,” said DeGale, who holds the European super-middleweight title.

The Harlesden man added: “Zuniga is a big test for me as he’s only lost to world class opponents in Kelly Pavlik, Lucian Bute and Tavaros Cloud.

“More recently he went 12 rounds with the unbeaten world-ranked South African, Thomas Oosthuizen, so it shows he is world class and a dangerous opponent.”

DeGale had been expecting to take on Kenny Anderson – a former opponent of his arch-rival and fellow West Londoner George Groves.

Instead he will be up against Zúñiga, who believes he can emulate Groves’ victory over DeGale.

“I want to fight James DeGale because it gives me the opportunity to win against an Olympic gold medalist,” he said.

“I have fought the best in the world but DeGale does not have my experience so I will win this fight.

“He has lost before and so he will lose again to me. I am a pressure fighter and I will fight him and pressure him in the ring until he gives up.”

DeGale’s promoter Mick Hennessy said: “After Kenny Anderson’s team agreeing all terms with us and then pulling out on the fight, I’m pleased and proud to say we’ve found a better world-class opponent who has been very active.

“In only 14 fights for James to be European champion and now fighting for the WBC silver belt is shows the phenomenal talent he is.

“Styles makes fights and these two are going to gel to make an explosive encounter.”

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