DeGale vs Bute: The Panel have their say on James DeGale v Lucian Bute

James DeGale makes the first defence of his world title against Lucian Bute on Saturday night. How do The Panel see the fight going?

Live Fight Night International

Londoner DeGale (21-1-KO14) won the IBF super-middleweight crown by defeating Andre Dirrell in Boston back in May and travels to Quebec City to defend it against Bute (32-2-KO25) - live on Sky Sports.

So how do our Panel of experts see this one unfolding?

Carl Froch

This could well be no-win situation for DeGale. Is Bute shot? Not just after I beat him, but Jean Pascal beat him as well and moving up to light-heavyweight , then back down, isn't good.

The one thing DeGale can't afford to do is perform the way he did against Andre Dirrell. The way he eased off was not what you want to be doing out there in Canada, that's for sure. They do say punch power is the last thing that goes, so maybe Bute will give it one last go. DeGale should win and should win well, but I am not sure about the second point.

Dave Coldwell

I think he should stop Lucian Bute. I think he is seriously damaged goods and Chunky and Jim McDonnell are 100 per cent sure they are going to win.

I can't see DeGale risking this one on the scorecards out there in Canada so I think we will see him maybe as aggressive as he was early doors against Andre Dirrell, trying to get the stoppage. I don't this going 12 rounds at all. DeGale finishes it, probably at the start of the second half.

George Groves

I think it will be a southpaw slugfest! He's fighting a live contender in Bute but do I think DeGale will win. Yes... no... yes.

Do I want him to win? Of course, he's a British world champion. I think DeGale stops him inside six rounds.

Paul Smith

This is an interesting fight because style-wise, Bute is made for DeGale. I just think Bute is going to be caught by everything, especially early on if he's trying to upset DeGale's style. Don't forget DeGale's awkwardness - it is going to take Bute five or six rounds to work it out.

And by then, DeGale will have built up a nice lead, but we've seen it in the past the way James eases off in the second half of the fight, so it will be interesting to see if that happens again. I can only see DeGale winning on points.

Kell Brook

It's a weird feeling making that first defence; I can only describe it like it was a repeat of my first professional fight, because you're nervous, you're the man they want to beat and all of a sudden there is nothing you are reaching for. I am sure James will know what I mean.

I can see a bit of drama going on in the first quarter of the fight, maybe a scare or two for DeGale but once he's settled down and has quietened Bute down, I can see him pulling away, winning those middle rounds and pulling away down the stretch. DeGale will win convincingly on points.

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Glenn McCrory

I think this is perfect for DeGale. I think that if he jumps on him, it could be an emphatic victory for DeGale. I really rate him and he can punch. The Londoner is coming of age as a champion and it's obvious he's really enjoying it all. He's just a very good fighter and I think Bute is susceptible to a punch.

I believe DeGale will stop Bute in the first half of the fight. He'll come away with a nice win.

Anthony Crolla

DeGale is going into Bute's back garden. It'll be hostile but DeGale has dealt with that before. He's coming off a great win against Dirrell and now he's ready to go up to another level. I fancy him to do the job here and look really good doing it.

I'll go for DeGale in seven. I wouldn't be surprised if DeGale puts Bute over a few times.

Jim Watt

I fancy DeGale to win on points. He could stop Bute, but I don't expect him to because Jean Pascal couldn't.

Bute is the type of fighter where, if he's losing, he can use his clever abilities to get through the 12 rounds. If, after seven or eight rounds, he realises he can't win then he won't quit but he'll do anything to get to the final bell.

Kevin Mitchell

I think James will have too much for him. He's too fresh. James is a good friend of mine and if he keeps himself focused on the job then he will win clearly, one way or another. If it goes to points, I think that it'll be wide.

I actually back to DeGale to produce a late stoppage. I'll go with DeGale in the 11th round.

Jamie Moore

I really like the look of James DeGale recently. I think the George Groves episode scarred him and played on his mind a bit but I think he's coming in to his own now. We saw Carl Froch expose Bute and I think DeGale can do the same.

The first two rounds will probably be a little edgy but as soon as DeGale finds his range I see DeGale winning by stoppage - probably before halfway.

Watch DeGale v Bute live on Sky Sports 1 on Saturday night from 3.00am.