French foe for DeGale

Veteran Frenchman Alpay Kobal will provide the opposition when James DeGale returns to action in Glasgow this Saturday.

Chunky's comeback opponent confirmed

James DeGale will get to sharpen his tools against French journeyman Alpay Kobal on Saturday. The Commonwealth super-middleweight champion makes his first ring appearance of the year in Scotland on the undercard of Ricky Burns' WBO super-featherweight title defence against Joseph Laryea. With George Groves boxing last Saturday, Frank Warren was keen to get his man out for a tune-up before the bitter rivals do battle later in the year. The British Boxing Board of Control have set an April 9 date for the clash, but it is unlikely to happen if both boxers have little more than a month to prepare. DeGale has not boxed since winning the British title from Paul Smith in December and should be able to do as he pleases against Kobal on Saturday. The 34-year-old Frenchman, a light-heavyweight, has won just seven out of 21 professional contests (five KOs) and has not tasted victory in his last five fights. This will only be the second time he has boxed outside of France. His first venture abroad ended with a points defeat at the hands of unbeaten German Dustin Dirks - although Kobal did not win a round on any of the three cards.