DeGale inspired by Mayweather

DeGale: confident of success

It was great to be around one of my heroes. It was wicked and I got some great vibes...I got some good advice from him and the people close to him. That has only helped my confidence.

James DeGale
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James DeGale is hoping some of Floyd Mayweather Jnr's magic rubs off on him as he prepares for his fourth professional fight.

DeGale is on the undercard of the British super-middleweight title contest between Tony Quigley and Paul Smith at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

The Olympic gold medallist spent some time with Mayweather Jnr in Las Vegas during the summer and gained a lot from the experience.

"It was great to be around one of my heroes. It was wicked and I got some great vibes," he said.

"There is this aura around Floyd and it was just a brilliant experience for me.

"I got some good advice from him and the people close to him. That has only helped my confidence."

Unbeaten

DeGale, looking to maintain his unbeaten record since turning professional in the wake of his Beijing heroics, is pleased with his progress.

He has been building up his stamina and honing his technique over the past few months.

"I have been working hard and getting stronger, dragging weights and pulling harnesses," he added.

"I have also been trying to improve my defence and I like this peek-a-boo style. I am feeling nice."

Londoner DeGale has yet to fight in the capital but views Liverpool as his second city.

"I see this as my homecoming and I cannot wait to get into the ring," he continued.

"I have got some good friends in Liverpool and a lot of people supporting me.

"This is my second home. It is a top boxing city and one that has produced some many great fighters."

That theme was taken up by Quigley, who headlines the bill by defending his British title against Liverpool rival Smith.

Liverpool praise

Quigley said: "I want people to see Liverpool as a knowledgeable and professional boxing city, which I know it is. We have a lot talent straight through from the amateurs to the pros.

"For a local fighter there is nothing better than performing at this venue. It is a real honour. Before that we were having to make do with small halls."

Quigley, who won the title in March when he beat another Liverpool fighter Tony Dodson, is in no mood to give up his crown.

"My career has taken off and turned around in the last six months," he added. "I am happy where I am and want to stay there."

Smith, however, is determined to end his rivals' reign and said: "I have got a lot more experience than him and I think he is rattled by me.

"But regardless of the rivalry I am fighting for the British title and that is all I want."