James DeGale Retains Title Against Stjepan Bozic

ByJane Warburton

James DeGale MBE retained his WBC Silver Middleweight Title by TKO when opponent – Stjepan Bozic was pulled out by his corner after the fourth round at Glow, Bluewater, Kent.

Southpaw ‘Chunky’ DeGale provided the most action – putting his opponent under pressure in the first round. He was told a couple of times to ‘keep the shots up’ but Bozic was forced to take time to recover in the third for a particularly low blow. DeGale responds immediately boxing resumes by upping the pressure but his opponent keeps up. DeGale did allow 38 year old Bozic to pressure him back on the ropes at times during the fight.

In the fourth round another low blow sees Bozic take a few moments to recover. DeGale continues with flurries of shots and finishes the round strongly. Bozic goes back to his corner – his left eye swollen and bruised, but during the intermission his corner pulls him out of the contest.

Afterwards, a confident DeGale tells Richie Woodall (presenting on Channel 5) that his ‘knee is perfect now’ (having being troubled by it in previous fights) and made mention of wanting to fight Carl Froch.

On the same Bill promoted by Hennessy Sports, Kid Galahad of Sheffield was on top form as he scored a fifth round TKO over Isaac Nettey of Ghana, who had also been on the canvas in round four.

Brighton’s Chris Eubank junior didn’t have an easy nights’ work against lanky Ingles Boxer – Tyan Booth. Booth sustained a cut to the left brow in the seventh which seemed to take his focus and Eubank had a good round. Booth tired in the eighth and final round and as Eubank piled on the pressure – Referee Mark Green jumped in to stop the fight.

Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury was present tonight to see young cousin – Hughie Fury – make quick work of Ladislav Kovarik.

Kovarik of the Czech Republic was on the canvas in round one and looked unsteady although he was allowed to continue. But just half a minute later and down for a second time in this opening round – Referee Mark Green waved off the contest.

Afterwards, Tyson Fury was not only delighted at his cousin’s impressive win but also at the news that Adam Booth (trainer of David Haye) had apparently told him that a fight with Haye was possible. Watch this space!