Exclusive interview by Ian Aldous: On Saturday February 23rd, two of Britain’s best super-middleweights square off in a bitter grudge match for the vacant IBO title, at the O2 Arena in London, live on ITV Box Office. Former two-time IBF world champion, James DeGale (25-2-1) takes on Chris Eubank Jr. (27-2) in a fight that British fight fans have been desperate to see for many years. Retirement for the loser is something DeGale believes is inevitable. This week, the former 2008 Olympic gold medallist took some time away from camp to chat with me over the phone ahead of the British blockbuster bout.
IA: You vacated your IBF 168 lb title to take the fight with Chris, how hard was the decision to relinquish what you worked so hard for?
JD: Of course it was extremely hard to do that. But, I done it, if I’m being honest, because of a couple of things. I spoke to my adviser, Al Haymon, and he had a better move for me basically, so I decided to go with Al. These last four years, he’s guided me towards success and glory. I’ve gone with him, but it was extremely hard to give up my world title, but he did promise me that I will have another chance before my career is done. That made it a bit better.
IA: I asked Chris a couple of weeks ago if he respected the fact that you vacated it to avoid the mandatory defence and make this fight, his response was, ‘Regardless of why he did it, I can’t condone that type of behavior in the sport of boxing. You don’t give up your world title. You defend it until you can’t defend it anymore.’ How do you respond to that?
JD: Chris Eubank Jr. is a deluded moron (laughs). This kid just ain’t good enough to be a world champion. He shouldn’t even comment, if I’m being honest. This guy won’t become world champion – he shouldn’t even comment on stuff like that. This guy’s got a big mouth and he’s been talking nonsense for a long time. The difference between me and him, me and him both talk, but at least I’ve done shit in boxing. At least I’ve won a world title. Actually, Olympic, British, European, two-time world champion – you know what, I’m allowed to run my mouth a little bit. Chris is just a deluded moron. He goes around talking and we’ve heard it all before. In the (George) Groves fight, he almost convinced me that he was going to beat Groves. Then round one comes on and I’m thinking, ‘what is he on about?’ he’s not good enough.
IA: Just to change the subject a little, I’ve got to mention your arch rival, George Groves. Just before we spoke he revealed that he’s retiring from the sport. Are you disappointed that you won’t get a chance to avenge your close loss to him?
JD: No, I’m not disappointed one bit, best of luck to him. He’s had a good career and he thought it’s time to call it a day. Listen, he won a world title, he achieved his dream. So, that’s all that matters. Best of luck to him.
IA: I wanted to get your side of the story when it comes to the infamous sparring session between you and Chris. His quote to me was that, ‘I schooled him.’ What’s your side of the story?
JD: He’s Britain’s biggest deluded boxer. The guy is just deluded – that’s the only word for him. Basically, I did him the favour to come down and spar me. He left after one round. The next day it came out that he’d schooled me. It was just a publicity stunt, I suppose. This whole thing, he’s caused this grudge and rivalry. The guy’s just a cock. I’m just so glad in a couple of weeks time I get the chance to shut him up.
IA: What do you make of the fact Eubank Jr. has only now got himself a full-time trainer at this stage of his career?
JD: If I’m being honest, he needs it. His new coach won’t help him. He’s been with him for six months or whatever. Like I’ve said before, Eubank’s so arrogant he won’t pay attention. He’ll maybe listen for a couple of rounds, but then he’ll revert once he’s getting his head jabbed off.
IA: Reflecting on your career, what’s been you greatest night so far as a professional?
JD: As a pro, I’ve had some good nights. Obviously winning my world title, my British title, my European title. It’s got to be the world title, that beautiful night in Boston when I won the IBF world title and made history as well – first Olympic gold medallist from Great Britain to become a world champion.
IA: Do you still have as much love and motivation for the game after such a long time in the amateur and pro ranks?
JD: Of course. 100%. As I say, it feels like I’m taking it back and rewinding it back to when I was twenty-two because I’m feeling so rejuvenated and motivated and feeling so fresh and so good. Obviously I’ve had to change things in training because of my injuries, achilles problems and my shoulder. I’ve had to adapt to a lot of stuff that I’m not really used to, but finally I’m seeing the benefits. I’m loving boxing like I did when I was twenty-two.
IA: I don’t think you quite get the respect you should from British fight fans for what you’ve achieved as an Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion and I’m not really sure why. Do you think that’s an accurate statement?
JD: I’m a bit bamboozled why I don’t get the credit as well. I don’t have a clue. When I hang them up, hopefully I get the full respect. My record speaks for itself. I’ve done everything, I’ve boxed everyone, the likes of (Andre) Dirrell, (Lucian) Bute, (George) Groves, Badou Jack. I would like to think when I’ve retired (that) I get the respect.
IA: What were your thoughts on Caleb Plant defeating Jose Uzcategui for your old IBF belt?
JD: He boxed well and got the tactics right. He moved his feet and kept it simple. I was surprised. Uzcategui didn’t seem like the same fighter that beat Dirrell. I think he looked a bit lost. Caleb Plant showed him movement and some fast hands and he couldn’t get in range.
IA: You never know, we might see you in with Plant in a few fights’ time or something?
JD: Yeah, 100%.
IA: Why should Chris Eubank Jr. fans fear you being the man to end his career on February 23rd?
JD: We’ve come from different pedigree. I’m from good pedigree and my record speaks for itself. I’ve been there, I’ve done it. I’m a ‘buzz’ fighter – I always rise to the occasion. I’m motivated and really up for this one. I can make this extremely hard, but still win and I can make this extremely easy and win convincingly.
IA: So, if you were at 75% – could you still beat him?
JD: Eubank is a handful for anyone. I very much doubt he’ll be a world champion, he just lacks that skill and technique, but he will always mix it with the big boys because he’s tough and game and got a good chin. He’ll always make it difficult for the big boys. There’s a lot of questions hanging over this fight because of my last couple of performances and because he lost to George Groves a couple of fights ago. Have I got enough left to beat Chris Eubank Jr.? That’s what people are saying. There’s questions that need to be answered. It should be a good night and I can’t wait.
James DeGale vs. Chris Eubank Jr. for the vacant IBO super-middleweight world championship is now available to buy, exclusively on ITV Box Office.
Tickets available from www.AXS.com and Inner Ringside/VIP Hospitality from www.sportandmusic.co.uk
This fight will be shown exclusively on ITV Box Office. For further information and updates, please go to www.itvboxoffice.com
With just weeks to go before the all-British Super Middleweight fight, to be staged at London’s O2, Sky customers can now register for this major event, which promises to deliver a full, action-packed evening. [Details on when viewers with alternative platforms can purchase the event will be made available in the coming days.]
Alongside the headliners, the PPV show will include a first-rate undercard, which is already confirmed to feature the return of Lee Selby. The former IBF World Featherweight Champion will make a daring move up two weight classes to face hard-hitting American Omar Douglas with a championship title on the line. And, as a bonus for fight fans, the ITV Box Office programme will include live coverage of the WBC Super Middleweight title fight between Anthony Dirrell and Avni Yildirim. All the action from this clash will come live from Minneapolis, Minnesota following the conclusion of DeGale v Eubank Jr.