When James DeGale made the transition to the professional ranks after winning gold at the 2008 Olympics, pressure was soon placed on his shoulders to become the first British boxer to become a world champion after winning top honours at the Games. All appeared to be going to the script when he won the British super-middleweight title in just his ninth fight, but the perfect start to his stint in the paid ranks came to a abrupt halt when he lost a majority-decision verdict to bitter rival George Groves.
The margin of defeat was minimal, but it was a setback that was enough to stop the brash 25-year-old in his tracks. During the build-up to the Groves encounter, DeGale had attracted a lot of bad press for his conduct during the verbal confrontations with his fellow Londoner, while the loss saw him give up the British strap that he had won so impressively against Paul Smith. Promoter Frank Warren also made the switch to boxing subscription channel BoxNation, effectively taking DeGale away from the spotlight that he was accustomed to.
That said, losing to Groves was probably the best thing that could have happened to DeGale. It didn't seem it at the time, but experiencing the feeling of Groves progressing up the rankings ahead of him and seeing him become embroiled in one of the biggest rivalries that British boxing has ever seen would have grounded 'Chunky', and he was soon being made to work for the opportunities that once seemed a given.
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Winning the European title in his first outing since losing to Groves didn't receive the credit that it deserved, nor did the four-round blowout of Cristian Sanavia in Denmark. The contests barely got a mention in the British media, but that would have only stoked a fire inside DeGale.
He was aware that he was on a rebuilding job and he was prepared to take a backward step in order to reach his end goal. Competing on Channel Five was also considered detrimental to his career, but headlining cards in front of a few hundred people would have only motivated someone who wasn't used to playing second fiddle.
Working with Hennessy Sports helped DeGale get to within a fight of a world title contest, but for one reason or another, that didn't materialise, much to the frustration of the Hammersmith southpaw who was having to remain in the shadows in the aftermath of the first instalment of Groves against Carl Froch.
At this point, Groves was, justifiably so, disputing his loss to Froch and had millions of boxing fans by his side as he demanded a rematch. As for DeGale, he was waiting patiently for his chance to face Badou Jack in a final eliminator for the WBC title, only to see him get wiped out by Derek Edwards inside a round.
With his path to a world title uncertain, DeGale ended his promotional agreement with Hennessy and linked up with Matchroom Sport. Hennessy had done a good job of elevating DeGale to the level that he wanted to reach, but an opportunity to compete in a world title eliminator on the undercard of the Froch against Groves rematch at Wembley Stadium was an offer too good to turn down. Unbeaten American Brandon Gonzales stood in his way, but as DeGale said on more than one occasion during the build-up, he had his mojo back and a lingering abdomen injury had been cleared up.
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DeGale recognised that it was sink or swim time, but that is what he had been working towards for three years and he executed the most explosive display of his career as he dismantled Gonzales inside four rounds. Whether the manner of the performance was down to motivation, lack of injury or purely outclassing a credible opponent, only DeGale knows but it earned him his world title shot. His dream showdown with Froch never came close to becoming a reality, neither did a rematch with Groves, but going toe-to-toe with Andre Dirrell in Boston on Saturday night is the kind of test that DeGale will relish rather than fear.
Aside from the seemingly untouchable Andre Ward, the 31-year-old is considered to be the best technician at 168lbs, and while this weekend's encounter will likely be a showcase of skills rather than a slugfest, his record of 16 knockouts in 25 fights suggests he can bang a bit. His sole defeat came at the hands of Froch, who was perhaps fortunate to come through with a points win, but regardless of that result, DeGale knows that he is stepping into the ring with an awkward opponent who, alongside Froch, is regarded as the second best in the division.
Regardless of what happens on America's East Coast on Saturday, DeGale is in a better position than he would have been if he had nicked a decision against Groves four years ago. He may have still been undefeated and could have been holding a world title, but he wouldn't have had to work as hard to reach his goal, while complacency and showmanship would have still played a part in his repertoire. If his last two performances are anything to go by, a business-like DeGale is going to turn up this weekend and if he can take his Stateside debut in his stride, he has every chance of being crowned Great Britain's next world champion.
Darren Plant
