DeGale to take on American Davis
American Dyah Davis has been named as James DeGale’s opponent for his fight at Glow, Bluewater, on 16 November.
DeGale will be aiming to stay on course for a world title shot when he defends his WBC Silver super-middleweight belt against the 32-year-old from Florida, who has a record of 22-3-1.
One of Davis’ three defeats came against world champion Sakio Bika, who holds the WBC title, when they met for the WBO Inter-Continental championship last year.
“I see Davis as a really good test and I want to get in there and stick on a great performance for all the fans and do a good job on him,” said DeGale.
“I’m going to go in there full of confidence. I’m going to be super fit and I’m basically going to go in there and try to get him out of there.
“I know I’m only a couple of fights away from a world title, so I want to go in there and do a good job on him.
“But, that said, I’m not looking past him. I give everyone I face respect and this is no different.
“Let’s be fair, he’s been in with some top fighters. He’s faced Bika, so if I get in there and do it better than him, I think I’m making a statement and it will show that I am world-class.”
But Davis, a former North American Boxing Federation champion, fancies his chances against Harlesden’s Olympic gold medallist.
“I’m very excited to be facing DeGale,” he said.
“I know what I’m up against going into his backyard. I’ve been in this position before and I’m going to do everything I can to come out victorious.
“I’m looking at going home with everything that this man contains right now, including his championship belt and all his positions in the world rankings and sanctioning bodies.”
Next month’s fight will be DeGale’s third of 2013 and will mean a return to the same Kent venue where he easily beat Stjepan Bozic in June – three weeks after he had knocked out Sebastien Demers in Canada.
His longer-term goal is to face the winner of the forthcoming world title clash between Carl Froch and George Groves.
DeGale, 27, told West London Sport in June that he wants a rematch with arch-rival and fellow West Londoner Groves to take place at QPR’s Loftus Road ground.
Groves won a close points decision when the pair faced each other in May 2011.
“I think Davis is a quality test for James and this match will show us just how good James is,” said DeGale’s promoter Mick Hennessy.
“James is a world-class fighter and this will be a perfect opportunity to give the fans what they want – excitement, skills and proof that James is ready for anyone in the division.”
Tickets are priced from £40 and are available from the Hennessy Sports Box Office on 01925 755 222, at http://hennessy.ticketline.co.uk or alternatively by contacting Tickeline.co.uk or by phone on 0844 888 4402 or via Ticketmaster.co.uk or by phone on 0844 847 2500.
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
