By Ian Aldous: On November 28th, James DeGale MBE (21-1) will travel to enemy territory as he defends his IBF world super-middleweight title against the man who held that very belt between 2007-2012, Lucian Bute (32-2). The Showtime and Sky Sports broadcast will emanate from the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada. I was at today’s press conference to promote the fight at the Emirates Stadium in North London – the home of DeGale’s favourite football team – Arsenal.

It was a sunny day in the capital and this was reflected in the positive mood of everyone in attendance – including James DeGale and Lucian Bute. Both men spoke in very complimentary terms of their opponent. Bute went on record as to say that he “would like to thank James for giving me this opportunity”. That sentiment was echoed by his trainer, Howard Grant who said that James DeGale “should be called the Road Warrior”. Grant also praised the conduct of both fighters and how there had been “no bad mouthing or hostility, because they’re gentlemen”. Lucian spoke of his prior bad experience that last time he fought in England but says he “feels fresh” with his new team.

DeGale struck a nice balance of confidence without being too cocky throughout the press conference. He proudly announced “You can see what kind of man I am” when talking about how, as champion, he’s happy to travel and not stay at home. “I’m willing to box anyone” and the names of Andre Ward and Arthur Abraham came up as potential future rivals. The only remotely negative comment he had for the Canadian challenger was when he predicted a bright future for himself – and the opposite for Bute, “My journey is only starting (and) his is about to end”.

Promoter Eddie Hearn heaped praise upon his man with comments like “The No.1 168lb fighter is DeGale” and how he’s “right at the top of the tree”. Sky Sports’ Adam Smith started by welcoming the assembled media to the wonderful surroundings of the Emirates Stadium and how we might one day see DeGale fight at that very venue in front of a potential 60,000-70,000 crowd. DeGale’s trainer, Jim McDonnell, boasted of how James is “different from any fighter I’ve ever been associated with” and how “the more you boo him, the better he is”.

This fight itself presents two huge incentives for the hometown hero, Lucian Bute. The first and most obvious one of these being the IBF championship that he previously held himself and defended nine times between 2007 – 2012. The second incentive is the opportunity for Bute to regain some pride and slay the ghosts of his brutal stoppage loss to Carl Froch. It was reported afterwards that Bute declined to make use of the clause in the contract that allowed him a rematch – such was the devastation of the defeat. So, to Lucian Bute, this is his shot at redemption, he’s fighting a Brit in his hometown for the belt he’s not held for over three years, the only difference is that his opponent is called James DeGale and not Carl Froch.

For James DeGale, this fight is a chance for him to add another notch to his claim of being a true travelling champion. The pinnacle of his amateur boxing career occurred in Beijing when he became the 2008 Olympic middleweight champion. He also took his European super-middleweight title to Denmark in 2012 in a successful defence against Cristian Sanavia. Then, the night he became a professional world champion happened overseas in Boston, Massachusetts. The fact that his first world title defence will happen away from home shows the confidence that DeGale undoubtedly possesses as a genuine champion of the world and not just his homeland. Speaking of his homeland, even his British title victory took place in the hometown of the man he took it from – Paul Smith.

The journey so far as a professional has been an interesting one for the London born and bred, DeGale. He turned pro under the promotional banner of Frank Warren which resulted in a British title and the only defeat of his career thus far, against bitter domestic rival – George Groves. European honours followed and some time spent as part of Mick Hennessy and his Hennessy Sports stable. Wins against decent opposition came and went but that really big fight didn’t materialise. A switch to Matchroom Sports kicked his career into overdrive and just two wins later he was sharing a ring with Andre Dirrell for a world title. Eddie Hearn likes to secure hometown advantage for his fighters, but he’s happy for DeGale to follow in the footsteps of fellow Matchroom Sports’ guys like Jamie McDonnell and Lee Selby in defending their gold abroad.

DeGale will be a betting favourite despite his disadvantage of being away from home and it’ll be difficult to present a case as to why Bute might beat him. The Romanian born Canadian has only been stopped once but hasn’t been the same fighter inside the ropes since that stoppage loss. I expect James DeGale to box just as efficiently and expertly as he did last time out against Dirrell on his way to a unanimous decision victory.

Tickets for DeGale Vs. Bute are available from the Videotron Centre box office, on evenko.ca, at GYM (514-383-0666), at Interbox (450-645-1077) or at Champion boxing club (514-376-0930).