By Chris Bax: James DeGale (14-1, 9 KO’s) last week gave up his European crown. I believe he has made the correct choice in his career path to pursue with the World Boxing Council (WBC) silver super middleweight strap that he won this month. This strap will give Degale a much higher ranking and also give him opportunity to fight some of the better and higher ranked opponents in the division.
DeGale has outgrown European level in his last couple of fights and is now looking at fights against the likes of Edwin Rodriguez, Anthony Direll, Sakio Bika and even current World Boxing Organization (WBO)champion Arthur Abraham. I think fighting these top contenders will stand DeGale in good stead for a real world title assault toward the end of 2013 or early 2014.
If DeGale fights and beats at least 2 of the above mentioned I believe DeGale would be right in line for a world title tilt. He wouldn’t beat WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Andre Ward (26-0, 14 KO’s) or IBF 168 pound champion Carl Froch (30-2, 22 KO’s) but he could wait for Froch to retire and ward to move up to light heavyweight then move in and win a world strap.
I believe DeGale is ahead of Commonwealth super middleweight champion George Groves in development since controversially losing his British title to him last year. I had DeGale winning that fight by 2 rounds and believe he is much better equipped to win a world title.
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