Former Olympic champion James DeGale joins Matchroom stable
Last Updated: 08/05/14 3:46pm
Super-middleweight contender James DeGale has been unveiled as Matchroom Sport's latest signing.
The Londoner announced his split from promoter Mick Hennessey last week and has joined Eddie Hearn's growing stable of fighters.
DeGale edged closer to a WBC title shot with a stoppage win over Gevorg Khatchikian last month and Hearn confirmed at a media conference to announce the deal that DeGale will fight Brandon Gonzales on the undercard of the Groves v Froch rematch on May 31 at Wembley.
DeGale's fight with the unbeaten Gonzales will act as an IBF title eliminator, with the winner going on to face either Groves or Froch for the IBF & WBA super-middleweight titles.
"I'm back, I'm back big," said DeGale. "The last year or so has been very frustrating for me. If I'm brutally honest, I've been depressed but that's the past and I am looking forward to the future.
Excited
"In the short space of time we have announced this I feel energised, I feel like I've got a new lease of life. So you are definitely going to see the best James Degale.
Me and George Groves? It's personal. I get uptight and angry even talking about him. I'm ready - whoever is there I'm ready to do it and deal with them.
James DeGale
"What makes me excited is the winner of Froch-Groves - who do I want to win, I'm not fussed to be honest. I think Froch is an easier fight, he's made for me and I've said that for ages.
"Me and George Groves? It's personal. I get uptight and angry even talking about him. I'm ready - whoever is there I'm ready to do it and deal with them.
"Potentially the fights out there for me are crazy, crazy but I can't look past Gonzales. This guy is unbeaten, he trained with Andre Ward and Amir Khan so that must inspire him.
"He is a good fighter, I've seen clips of him. I can't overlook this guy so all my focus is on Gonzalez. After I have dealt with him then the big fights are there and that's what I need to motivate me and to get me boxing the best I can.
"The future is looking extremely bright so fasten your seatbelts. Enjoy the ride with me because it should be exciting and I'm looking forward to it."