Following last night’s history making victory for James DeGale against Andre Dirrell, his trainer – former world title challenger Jim Mc Donnell -has spoken out to say it’s the consistent work ethic of the Harlesden fighter that won him the fight in the end.
“He has worked so hard, not just for this camp but since day one. I said to him, when he first turned professional that this is the plan.”
Discussing the evolution of a rigorous world class training schedule, the former super featherweight said to Sky;
“I showed him the outlay. And he said ‘how can I do 20 of them or 20 of them – and I said not NOW but in years to come. And for this fight he’s done every one of them.”
“And there you are – that’s the result. Champion of the world.”
There was some criticism of McDonnell’s corner work from some corners last night – as it seemed DeGale was letting the fight get away from him in the final 3rd – particularly from pundit Ian Darke who tweeted mid fight;
“DeGale doing his best to throw this away. Coasting and gone negative. Have to wonder what advice he’s getting in the corner”
Regardless of suggestions that DeGale ran from some quarters, his early lead was telling in the end. Watching the fight back again, it’s clear he went on the back foot for large chunks later on but he was always still in the fight and a constant danger to Dirrell.
With the knockdowns etc, it was ultimately pretty easy to score – and I stand by my unofficial 115-112 for Chunky.
Irrespective of what can or can’t be said about McDonnell in the corner.
The future now looks bright for the Brit, who’s promoter Eddie Hearn will be praying George Groves is successful in his imminent challenge to Badou Jack for the WBC title – thus setting up a massive money unification rematch of their 2011 encounter.
Hearn said of what’s next via Sky;
“Now he’s gotta kick on. He will fight anyone in the division. If I went to him tomorrow – there is not one fighter that I couldn’t offer him that he wouldn’t accept in his next fight.”
“October in London, we come home and fill a big great arena – and finally James DeGale is the superstar that all of us thought – over the years – he would become.”
Twitter @Undilutedpoison