Friday 16 December 2016 18:44, UK
James DeGale does not believe Callum Smith is on his level ahead of their potential world title fight next year.
The IBF champion fights WBC king Badou Jack in New York on January 14, live on Sky Sports, in a super-middleweight unification fight.
The winner is set to fight Liverpool's Smith, who is mandatory challenger to Jack's WBC strap but 'Chunky' "will not be losing any sleep" ahead of the potential match-up.
DeGale exclusively told Sky Sports: "The bookies have got it even, 50:50. Can you believe that?
"The casuals think he knocks me out. That's why I want the fight. We can stick friendship aside."
Smith, who is undefeated in 22 contests, showed his power when defeating Hadillah Mohoumadi in April for the European title, but DeGale is reading little into that first round win over a common opponent.
"He got confidence from knocking out Mohoumadi, someone I boxed five years ago when I won my European title. It's crazy, madness."
DeGale is also keen to avenge his 2011 defeat to George Groves who challenges for the WBA world title against Fedor Chudinov, but first must get past Las Vegas resident Jack.
"It is possibly a massive year for me. It should be a perfect year. Me against Jack, Callum Smith and Groves. Imagine that!"
Watch Badou Jack v James DeGale live and exclusive on Sky Sports 1, 2am, Sunday, January 15.
