James DeGale inks with Matchroom, will fight on Carl Froch-George Groves bill

James DeGale inks with Matchroom, will fight on Carl Froch-George Groves bill

It was announced early Thursday that super middleweight and former Olympian James DeGale has signed with Matchroom Sport. DeGale will face Brandon Gonzales in a final eliminator on the Carl Froch-George Groves bill at Wembley Stadium.

The announcement has to be a tad bittersweet for DeGale, who will fight on the undercard of lone conqueror Groves, who won a tight decision in 2011 over DeGale. Still, DeGale had already left Frank Warren before leaving Hennessy Sports, so that left Matchroom as his best option.

The eliminator is for Froch’s IBF belt, meaning the winner could face the winner of the main event next.

Gonzales is a fringe contender who stepped up his game in his HBO debut against Thomas Oosthuizen. As an underdog, Gonzales out worked Oosthuizen but only got a draw. Gonzales left Goossen-Tutor Promotions and signed with Gary Shaw.

-Mark E. Ortega / @MarkEOrtega

-Managing editor at www.BehindTheGloves.com