DeGale vs Bute: James DeGale relishing pressure of defence against Lucian Bute

James DeGale is relishing the pressure of world champion status ahead of his first defence against Lucian Bute this weekend.

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The IBF super-middleweight champion travels to Bute's back yard of Quebec City in a fight that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the early hours of Sunday, and the Briton is determined to make another bold statement to the rest of the division.

DeGale told Sky Sports: "I'm feeling real good. I got here last Wednesday and have done my last couple of hard sessions so it's just about making weight and getting ready for Saturday.

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"The weather is very cold. I was in Miami before my last fight and was on the beach in a vest on my time off! It's all good though. I'm just focused and ready to do the business.

"There is a bit of pressure. As my coach said, the easy bit is winning it and the hard bit is keeping it. I've come to his back yard to defend my title but I wouldn't want it any other way. I like it when the pressure is on me.

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"I think Andre Dirrell was harder. He was more of a complete fighter and one of the best in the division. I think Bute is still good but he's had his best days. I'm a fresh, young, confident fighter and I'm feeling good.

"It's a wicked night of boxing with Wladimir Klitschko v Tyson Fury and then me and Bute. Of course I'm hoping to steal the show. Keep on supporting. I won't let you guys down."

Watch DeGale vs Bute from 3am on Sunday morning on Sky Sports 1.

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