DeGale to make title defence next month
James DeGale is set to return to action next month.
Harlesden’s Olympic gold medallist will defend his WBC Silver super-middleweight title at Glow, Bluewater, on Saturday 16 November.
His opponent is due to be named shortly and DeGale’s 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 Groves to take place at QPR’s Loftus Road ground.
And a victory in his next fight would keep him on course for a step up to the next level.
He said: “I look at the Froch v Groves fight and I know that in the next six months it’s likely that I’ll fight the winner of that one, so it really is exciting times.
“I’m ready and willing to fight anyone and it’s time to step up and face the best.”
Since a close – and somewhat controversial – points defeat against Groves in May 2011, former British champion DeGale secured the European title before winning his current belt.
It has put him in the frame for a future clash with world champion Froch or another showdown with Groves should his fellow West Londoner take the Nottingham man’s IBF and WBA titles.
“When you look at the super-middleweight division, it really is a great time as there are no easy fights – no easy world champions,” said DeGale.
“You’d have to say Andre Ward is number one and then you’d probably have to say it’s Carl Froch.
“But when you look at the list of other fighters in the division – the likes of Mikkel Kessler, Thomas Oosthuizen, Lucian Buté, George Groves – I think it’s very difficult to say who number three is, who number four is.
“It’s a really strong division with a lot of talented fighters and I’d say I’m inside the top 10 and very excited to mix it with the best and show everything I’ve got.”
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.
“I’m delighted to bring James back to Glow, Bluewater,” said DeGale’s promoter Mick Hennessy .
“James is a world-class fighter and this is a truly world-class venue, where we can give the fight fans what they want – a superb fight and show that James is ready for anyone in the division.”
Tickets are priced from £40 and are available from Monday via the Hennessy Sports box office on 01925 755 222.
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