James DeGale reveals watching Tyson Fury boosted his IBF super middleweight defence

James DeGale retained his IBF super middleweight title

JAMES DEGALE has revealed his world title defence in Canada was boosted by a dodgy internet stream of Tyson Fury's fight.

 

DeGale successfully retained his IBF super middleweight title by outpointing Lucian Bute in Quebec in the early hours yesterday morning.

And DeGale says he got an extra edge after watching his old amateur team-mate become world heavyweight champion just before he left for his fight.

"Watching that before I fought really inspired me and gave me that extra push," he said.

 

James DeGale retained his title by beating Lucian Bute

"I don't know if I can say this, but I actually streamed it on my laptop and watched it in the hotel before I left for the arena.

"It's fantastic to complete the double for Britain after what Tyson did. We Brits are flying.

"I've known him since we were teenagers. I boxed for England v America as an amateur with him and was in other squads too. To see him achieve that was the little boost I needed.

 

"Listen, he proved a lot of doubters and haters wrong as well, so he has done well."

Having made a successful first defence of his IBF title, DeGale, 29, already has his eye on the three other belts. The Olympic gold medallist says he wants the next stop on his world tour to be Las Vegas in April for a crack at WBC champion Badou Jack.

"As I said, I'm a road warrior," said DeGale. "Hopefully, the next one will be against Jack, unifying titles. I don't want to waste any time. I'm peaking now, let's get the big fights in."

DeGale won the title by beating Andre Dirrell on points in May and put the belt on the line against Bute, who was stopped by Carl Froch in 2012.

 

James DeGale in action

The bout at the Centre Videotron got off to a blistering start and the pace barely relented as both fighters had success with quick combinations.

The home crowd were getting right behind Romanian-born Canadian Bute, who left DeGale with a cut above his left eye after an accidental head clash.

DeGale was forced back by his opponent as the match wore on, but his superior footwork and speed were enough to convince the judges to score the fight 116-112, 117-111, 117-111 in the Briton's favour.

"I said Lucian Bute is a world-class fighter," said DeGale. "But I'm young, fresh and peaking now. I'm ready for the best in the world.

"All credit to Lucian Bute. He's a great champion and, believe me, he will be back."