The title shot for number 1 ranked IBF 168lb fighter James DeGale is confirmed and is likely going to occur on April 25th in the 02Arena in London. The last point which has to be confirmed is the opponent for DeGale.
Negotiations for a meeting between number 2 ranked Andre Dirrell are underway although it would seem the American is sceptical of fighting in the UK after losing a close and controversial decision to home fighter Carl Froch back in 2009. Eddie Hearn, the promoter for DeGale has said that he wants the fight on home soil for DeGales first world title attempt. Likely this fight will get made and it will go to purse bids to get the agreement.
However if that fight does not get put together there are plenty of options for the 29 year old DeGale. Number 3 in the IBF rankings is Gilberto Ramirez, a fighter with a record of 31 – 0 – 0 (24KO). Ramirez is Mexican born southpaw with good power who could give DeGale some problems in a proposed fight. At only 23 Ramirez is looking like one of the best prospects in the sport today and deserves a world title opportunity at some point in the near future.
Another option for DeGale would be long time domestic rival George Groves. It would be a huge fight in the UK as the grudge match would capture the imagination of the public, the addition of the world title would make that a great event. Regarding the question of opponent DeGale said that he didn’t care who was going to be in the opposite corner.
