James Degale vacates IBF world super-middleweight title

[Master]

Two time world champion James DeGale has vacated his IBF super-middleweight title.

DeGale, 32, lost the title to Caleb Truax in December but won a rematch to reclaim the belt in Las Vegas in April.

He says the decision to vacate is to free him up to pursue "massive fights" rather than face mandatory defences ordered by the IBF.

"My team have been working very hard and we've got some very big, exciting news to announce soon," said DeGale.

"No world champion easily gives up their title. I've proudly held the IBF title in two reigns with pride and distinction which is why it makes it very hard decision to relinquish the belt.

"I'm in the final phase of my career where I have a few good years left where I can be involved in massive fights and really leave a legacy in the division's history."

DeGale looked set to face Venezuela's Jose Uzcategui, who is ranked number one with the IBF.

But his decision to vacate opens up possibilities and some reports state DeGale is negotiating to face WBA champion George Groves, who beat him in 2011.

Groves is due to face Callum Smith in the World Boxing Super Series final so any meeting with DeGale could place that bout in doubt.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/44708488

[Alpha]

Seems weird that Groves is negotiating when he has the final in front of him.

My initial thought before hearing of the Groves rumours, was BJS.

[Primo Carnera]

Seems weird that Groves is negotiating when he has the final in front of him.

My initial thought before hearing of the Groves rumours, was BJS.

Groves is contracted to Sauerland promotions, so I can’t see them letting him bail out of the WBSS even if he did want to.
I reckon it’s more of a fight to happen after the Smith fight, win or lose there’ll be decent money in it.
Probably DeGale v BJS he’s waiting for Groves.
One way or another, DeGale has really fucked up his earning potential over the years imo.

[Master]

De Gale is a shot fighter and all the signs show he wants to cash out against the highest purse he can get. I think that is by facing the Groves v Smith winner.

[ykdadamaja]

DeGale is good. Not great. Like Eubank. Good. Not great!

[Primo Carnera]

DeGale is good. Not great. Like Eubank. Good. Not great!

I don’t think Eubank Jr. Can be put in the same bracket, overall career wise. Maybe a fight between them would be closer now because DeGale is shot, but I still reckon he would outclass Eubank Jr.

[Violent Demise]

He wasn't going to beat Uzcategui. And he knew it

[Alpha]

He wasn't going to beat Uzcategui. And he knew it

Yea at this point it's a cash out fight or 2. The money from a Uzcategui fight/ lose wouldn't be sufficient.

I wouldn't mind a Eubank fight. Still think DeGale has to much for Jr.

[Spicoli]

He wasn't going to beat Uzcategui. And he knew it

Yea at this point it's a cash out fight or 2. The money from a Uzcategui fight/ lose wouldn't be sufficient.

I wouldn't mind a Eubank fight. Still think DeGale has to much for Jr.

Just about sums it up. DeGale is playing his last hand of risk-reward. Still though with Uz numer one..if it walks like a duck and quakes like a duck it's a duck. Trinket keeps him from 'rank' and just an anchor. In contrast it was world to Truax. Only in boxing.

[p4pking]

vacating now looks a bit better than once the mandatory is enforced I guess, but He is toast and will lose to everyone. I dont see how anyone thinks he could even handle" Eubank jr tbh... He had 24 rounds to prove he was at a higher level than truax, and never even came close to seperating himself. No slight to Truax who is a good honest journeyman, but all he did was come forward and keep busy, which is about what Eubank can do well.

[Master]

vacating now looks a bit better than once the mandatory is enforced I guess, but He is toast and will lose to everyone. I dont see how anyone thinks he could even handle" Eubank jr tbh... He had 24 rounds to prove he was at a higher level than truax, and never even came close to seperating himself. No slight to Truax who is a good honest journeyman, but all he did was come forward and keep busy, which is about what Eubank can do well.

I agree Eubank Jnr would be too young and fresh for De Gale. It would be a good fight to make but I think De Gale would hate to lose to Junior so will wait it out for the winner of Groves/Smith.

[ykdadamaja]

DeGale is good. Not great. Like Eubank. Good. Not great!

I don’t think Eubank Jr. Can be put in the same bracket, overall career wise. Maybe a fight between them would be closer now because DeGale is shot, but I still reckon he would outclass Eubank Jr.

You're right. Looks like Jr. is not gonna win a major world title anytime in his career. Regular WBA titles or a IBO/WBU titles won't cut it. Either you win the WBA Super, IBF or WBC. WBO would be "ok".

If you do not hold the WBA Super Champ status. IBF or WBC belt, or two of the three, you really ain't a champion, my brother.

[Dia bando]

DeGale is not on the up but on the way down he is cashing in I am afraid he will take a beating his last three fights he was pretty poor easy to hit and getting marked up a lot.!

[Dark Lord Al]

He wasn't going to beat Uzcategui. And he knew it

Agreed DeGale would end u p in a box if he fought him.