DeGale hits out at BABA

DeGale: Bad move

They are going to be in trouble in 2012. They think they've got it all right but trust me, they are in trouble.

DeGale on amateur boxing
Quotes of the week

Also see

• Sky Sports experts
• World champions
• On Sky TV
• Forums

James DeGale has re-ignited his spat with the British Amateur Boxing Association after slamming the appointment of Robert McCracken as performance director.

The Beijing gold medallist has an ongoing dispute with the BABA over an outstanding bonus payment among other things and has been highly critical of amateur officials since turning professional earlier this year.

The announcement of McCracken - who trains professionals including WBC middleweight champion Carl Froch - to lead the amateurs to London in 2012 has also irked the Londoner.

"How's he going to do stuff with Carl and his amateur stuff as well?" he said. "Firstly it's great and that but it's a nuts one isn't it? Is he going to be part-time? If he's staying with Carl then it's not a very wise move.

"They're having a laugh. They haven't got a clue. They are trying to make it a bit like the pros but they shouldn't do that.

"They are going to be in trouble in 2012. They think they've got it all right but trust me, they are in trouble."

However, the BABA is confident it has made the right appointment while McCracken is in no doubt that he can balance his job in the professional ranks with his new amateur commitments.

No doubts

"The amateur boxing calendar is planned a long way in advance so I will know when the major championships are taking place and plan my workload around them," said the Midlands-based trainer.

"I have no doubt whatsoever that everything will fit together well and I want to make sure that the GB squad get to spend some time with Carl Froch and some of my other professionals to learn from them and see how a world champion trains and prepares."

A BABA statement read: "Rob's appointment as performance director has been widely welcomed - not least by the squad itself - as a coup for amateur boxing and one of the best things to happen in the sport for some time.

"Rob is completely committed to his role with GB Boxing. His links to a boxer like Carl Froch, who was a successful amateur and is a current world champion, is a sign of Rob's quality and the fact that Carl will spend some of his time training in Sheffield will be a great experience for the amateur squads who will benefit from seeing how a world champion trains and prepares.

"As performance director, Rob has overall responsibility for the elite programme and how it is delivered. His priority is to deliver medals and build a legacy for the future and he will shape the programme and the coaching team to reflect what he feels is the best way to achieve this."