Skip to content

James DeGale targets London showdown with Badou Jack

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

James DeGale wants a world super-middleweight unification fight, if he defends his IBF title against Rogelio Medina.

James DeGale has set his sights on a world super-middleweight title unification bout with Badou Jack in his hometown of London later this year.

DeGale will make a mandatory defence of his IBF crown against Mexican Rogelio Medina in Washington on April 30, live on Sky Sports.

Jack will be in action on the same card when he defends his WBC title against Lucian Bute, who DeGale defeated on points last November.

DeGale has revealed a showdown between the pair is then likely to be on the cards if they both win, with 32-year-old Swede Jack pencilled in for a September bout at The O2.

Also See:

DeGale, who has not boxed in London for 18 months, told Sky Sports News HQ: "I'm hoping Jack wins because the unification fight with me and him this September in London - my homecoming - that's what I want.

James DeGale
Image: James DeGale will be back in action at the end of April

"I want to box at The O2. I want to feel the buzz, I want to feel the atmosphere and it's coming. If I get through this and Jack gets through his fight against Bute, the homecoming is coming.

"One hundred per cent it is coming to London if we both look good. I spoke to Al Haymon [Bute's promoter] and I spoke to Eddie Hearn [his own promoter] and, if we both win, it's coming to London.

"Obviously I have won my world title but unifying the division and winning that green belt would be a dream come true. So I have got to keep on working hard, keep focused and it will definitely come."

DeGale is confident of beating Medina to set up the clash with Jack, but he will not be taking the challenger lightly.   

James DeGale lands a right hook on Lucian Bute (Pic Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)
Image: DeGale lands a right hook on Lucian Bute (Pic Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)

"If I'm being brutally honest it is probably not a major risk," he said. "But every time you get in the ring is a risk so I've got to take him seriously and go in there and deal with him.

"He's a tough, strong, typical Mexican who loves a fight. He has got six losses on his record so every time he has stepped up to the highest level he has been beaten.

"But he's still a good fighter and I've still got to prepare well. I've got to be focused and I've still got to go in there and do a proper job on him."

DeGale also admits Jack, who defeated George Groves on a split decision last September, may not have things all his own way against Bute after he was forced to go the distance by the Canadian.

George Groves (L) hits Badou Jack in the second round of their WBC super middleweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena
Image: George Groves (L) hits Badou Jack in the second round of their WBC super-middleweight title fight

"It's an intriguing fight. It's a very, very good fight," said the 2008 Olympic champion. "Obviously the favourite is probably Jack, but if the Lucian Bute that got in the ring with me last November gets in the ring with Jack, it's a straight 50-50."

Around Sky