November 8th will see Britons reigning world IBF super-middleweight and 2008 Olympic champion James DeGale, take centre stage in Quebec City, Canada, for the first defence of his crown.
It was a hard fought points victory over Andre Dirrell back in May, that saw the Londoner affectionately known as ‘Chunky’ (a name that has stuck with him ever since his fast-food teenage years), claim the vacant title and in doing so fulfil his long standing dream of ‘making history’ by becoming the UK’s first Olympic Boxing Gold Medallist to win a world title as a professional.
His opponent on the night is well known to many Brit fight fans. Lucian Bute was famously stopped in memorable fashion by Carl Froch in 2012; at the time as an undefeated fighter and reigning IBF super-middleweight champion since 2007, having successfully defended the crown nine times.
Nottingham proved to be the end on Bute’s 30-0 win streak, the Cobra saw to that, but since then the Canadian has changed trainers to Howard Grant & had an all be it brief dalliance at Light-Heavyweight, where he suffered defeat to Jean Pascal.
Having made a successful comeback following this loss, with a fourth-round stoppage of Italian Andrea Di Luisa in August, Lucian manoeuvred his way back into position for a shot at his old belt, in the province where he first laid hands on it eight years ago, in a city which he has never lost.
Now aged 35 with a record that stands at 32-2, Bute certainly has considerable pedigree, but is perhaps past his physical peak, with a long career at world level putting hard miles on the clock. The Canadian native, who remains a popular and well supported figure in his home country, still retains belief in his abilities and is in confident mood, “I have a new team behind me and I will become a world champion again. This is big for me because I had this belt for five years. On November 28 I get it back.’
Degale’s record now stands at 21-1, with his only loss coming via a points decision against George Groves. A defeat that DeGale has been keen to avenge ever since. Following the loss to Groves, James admitted to suffering from a long standing injury known as Gilmore’s Groin (a muscle tear in the lower abdomen). After undergoing an operation to rectify the problem and completing his rehab, DeGale’s form in the ring has been nothing short of devastating, showing all the promise that had been so evident from his amateur days, but had never quite come to fruition in the pros.
In contrast to his opponent, at 29 DeGale is now entering his prime. Having successfully climbed the mountain, he now has his sights firmly set on staying atop the summit. Chunky, for his part, is certain things will be going his way on November 8th; ‘The way I’m feeling, I’m in top shape, it’s going to be hard to beat me. My journey is just starting, his (Bute) is coming to an end.’
‘You can see what kind of man I am; I’m going to Canada to give Lucian Bute a chance to box for my world title. I want the big fights, I want to unify titles. First I have to beat Bute and he wants his old belt back. I’m too young, too fresh, and too good. Much too good.”
Both men are southpaw fighters, something that at this level of boxing you are not often likely to see. This does also mean any perceived stylistic advantage for either man will be nullified. Bute is no doubt a class operator, an opponent that the champion cannot afford to take lightly. As a proven puncher at the weight, any lapse in concentration could prove costly and, on occasion, it is DeGale himself whom historically has appeared to be his own worst enemy, at times seeming to coast and make hard work of guys he was obviously levels in class above.
DeGale is certainly my favourite to win the fight, he has the tools to dispatch Bute and I would venture the opponent he defeated to take the title was a tougher test on paper. However on foreign soil this is no ‘gimme’ for Chunky, and Bute will know this may well be his last chance to secure a world title.
Speaking from Canada, Degale said “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.’
Find out if his actions back up his words and watch the fight broadcast live on Sky Sports in the early hours of Sunday.
- Matthew Lynch / @Matthew_Lynch_
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