James DeGale v Lucian Bute: Preview of Saturday's IBF world super-middleweight title bout
Sunday 29 November 2015 07:08, UK
Your one-stop preview of Saturday's IBF world super-middleweight title clash between James DeGale and Lucian Bute, live on Sky Sports 1.
Live Fight Night International
Background
DeGale (21-1-KO14) has come back from the brink of obscurity. After losing a highly-publicised grudge match with George Groves in 2011, he worked his way back up the ladder for a shot at a world title.
In May, DeGale faced Andre Dirrell for the vacant IBF crown and although the performance lacked the explosive finish of his previous bouts, the 29-year-old Londoner fulfilled his dream courtesy of a wide points decision.
In Bute (32-2-KO25), DeGale faces a former champion who desperately wants to erase the memory of a 2012 stoppage defeat to Carl Froch and regain his title from an Englishman.
What the fighter says
What the trainer says
What the experts say
The way DeGale eased off was not what you want to be doing out there in Canada, that's for sure. DeGale should win and should win well, but I am not sure about the second point.
I think it will be a southpaw slugfest! He's fighting a live contender in Bute but do I think DeGale will win. Do I want him to win? Of course, he's a British world champion. I think DeGale stops him inside six rounds.
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.
The weigh-in
DeGale weighed in just below the 12-stone limit at 167.4lbs and vowed to produce an explosive early stoppage win to silence his opponent's vocal fans.
"They think it's going to be a boxing match, but it will be a destruction," said the Londoner. "I feel like a beast. It will be explosive.
But Bute, who tipped the scales at 167.2lbs, is confident that his home support will be crucial when the first bell rings.
"It's a great opportunity to fight for my old belt in front of my hometown fans," said Bute. "I think they'll push me toward the victory. I'm looking forward to becoming world champion again."
The time draws near...
You can watch James DeGale v Lucian Bute live on Sky Sports 1 from 3am on Sunday morning.
