• Super middleweight

DeGale in eliminator for shot at Froch or Groves

ESPN staff
April 10, 2014
James DeGale has signed with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing © PA Photos
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James DeGale will earn a world title shot at either Carl Froch or George Groves if he beats Brandon Gonzales on the undercard for their rematch at Wembley.

Froch and Groves will square off again on May 31 following the controversial ending to their first fight in Manchester last November. Groves was pulled away from Froch with referee Howard Foster stopping the bout in the ninth round.

DeGale has signed with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing - which promotes both Froch and Groves - after terminating his deal with Mick Hennessy last week.

DeGale was unveiled by Matchroom at a media conference on Thursday, with Hearn confirming his latest acquisition will fight Gonzales at Wembley with the winner to face Groves or Froch for the IBF and WBA super middleweight titles.

DeGale, who stopped Gevorg Khatchikian in 11 rounds last month, has recorded eight wins since losing a majority decision to Groves at the O2 in London in May 2011.

"I'm back, I'm back big," said DeGale. "The last year or so has been very frustrating for me. If I'm brutally honest, I've been depressed but that's the past and I am looking forward to the future.

"In the short space of time we have announced this I feel energised, I feel like I've got a new lease of life. So you are definitely going to see the best James Degale

"What makes me excited is the winner of Froch-Groves - who do I want to win, I'm not fussed to be honest. I think Froch is an easier fight, he's made for me and I've said that for ages.

"Me and George Groves? It's personal. I get uptight and angry even talking about him. I'm ready - whoever is there I'm ready to do it and deal with them

"Potentially the fights out there for me are crazy, crazy but I can't look past Gonzales. This guy is unbeaten, he trained with Andre Ward and Amir Khan so that must inspire him.

"He is a good fighter I've seen clips of him. I can't overlook this guy so all my focus is on Gonzalez. After I have dealt with him then the big fights are there and that's what I need to motivate me and to get me boxing the best I can.

"The future is looking extremely bright so fasten your seatbelts. Enjoy the ride with me because it should be exciting and I'm looking forward to it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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