Mandatory still wants Froch showdown
Monday 10 November 2014 14:44, UK
James DeGale insists Marco Antonio Periban will be his toughest opponent so far - and defeat will end his world title chances.
I didn’t want an eight round keep busy fight, I wanted a name that will impress people when I win in style and it will set up a fight with Carl
The Harlesden man takes on the Mexican in the chief support for Cleverly v Bellew II on November 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
DeGale is the IBF mandatory challenger to Carl Froch and has already been calling him out but, following the announcement, he says losing to Periban will rule him out of contention.
"He's probably the best opponent I've faced so far," he said.
“This is like a second final eliminator as if I don’t beat him, I don’t box for a World title.
“It’s a good test, he took Sakio Bika close and he had J’Leon Love all over the place and should have finished him off.
"He's not a typical Mexican, he can box on the back foot and he's going to come to fight and that will bring out the best in me. I am looking forward to it, it's on a great show so roll on November 22.
"I didn’t want an eight-round, keep-busy fight, I wanted a name that will impress people when I win in style and it will set up a fight with Carl."
Periban has already challenged for the world title, losing a close majority decision to the then-WBC champion Bika last June.
He has lost and drawn since then, but he insists he is not coming to Liverpool just to make up the numbers and hopes he can become the mandatory challenger to face Froch by beating DeGale.
“I appreciate this opportunity and will be putting in a huge effort into training to win and to put on a great show in the UK,” he said.
"I lost a close decision to Bika for the WBC title and I want another shot. When I beat DeGale I hope for a shot at Carl Froch but first I am focused on November 22 and taking him out.”
Watch DeGale v Periban on the same card as Cleverly v Bellew II, live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday, November 22.
