by James Slater – 2008 gold medal Olympian James DeGale and his trainer, former world title challenger Jim McDonnell, are hugely confident men. So much so that in a news article in The Newham Recorder, DeGale and his coach have gone on record as saying a world title shot will be on the cards in the year 2012, and that in eight years time the boxer nicknamed “Chunky” will be at the level the great Floyd Mayweather is at right now..
Big things are expected of the now 2-0(1) pro middleweight, and the 23-year-old has spoken for the first time about a timeframe he has with regards to being ready to go for major titles.
“I want to be fighting for and winning the British title next summer and I want to be knocking on the door for a world title in 2012,” DeGale said. “I need another ten more fights and then I think I am there.”
A genuine talent – as he proved in Beijing – DeGale has got his coach saying all manner of wonderful things about him. Former two-time world super-featherweight title challenger and now top trainer McDonnell says his latest charge will be as good as another former Olympian, in “Money” Mayweather.
“I think James DeGale will be in the next eight years or so at the same stage as Floyd Mayweather, he is that good,” McDonnell said. “I say it again, look at the status quo, he [Mayweather] was a bronze medallist, James was a gold medallist.
“He [DeGale] has so many options going for him as a boxer when he fights, he could take guys out in the first round, he could take guys out in the last round. He is an excellent technical boxer as well. He can box just as good conventionally or as a southpaw as well. He really can achieve a lot in the sport.”
High praise indeed for a pro debutant who had to listen to a thunder of boos while winning on points back in February. DeGale, though, won over a number of the paying critics in his last outing, when he scored a most impressive 1st-round stoppage over an unbeaten fighter.
DeGale says he is aware there will be much hard work ahead if he is to realise his true potential. Also, “Chunky” is proud of the way he despatched his second pro opponent in style.
“I need to train hard and work seven days a week with Jim and you can see a big difference in my second fight from my first fight,” James said. ” I keep working the circle and I’m coming on nice. Every time I box you will see me get better and better.
“I needed that big win (in his last fight) to silence some of my critics. I’m not an idiot who just because I won at the Olympics thinks I will get it easy.”
Set to box his third pro fight on the June 27th bill at The O2 Arena in London (Vs. an as yet TBA opponent) DeGale will no doubt be looking forward to hearing no boos at all this time!