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Froch is running scared, claims DeGale

James DeGale stopped Brandon Gonzales to earn his stripes as mandatory challenger to the IBF title © Getty Images

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James DeGale says world super-middleweight champion Carl Froch is running scared and is warning the 'Cobra' to retire or risk damaging his legacy.

Olympic gold medallist DeGale is the mandatory challenger to Froch's IBF world title but does not believe his fellow Matchroom stable-mate would consider an all-British bout.

"Carl Froch doesn't want to fight me," DeGale told Sky Sports show Ringside. "He is making every excuse not to fight me and, if I was him, I wouldn't fight me either because when he loses to me - and loses well - his credibilty, his ego and his legacy would all be damaged.

"If I was him I would retire and give up and just swerve it because he's going to lose. The IBF ruling is 75%-25% [champion-challenger] and I've even said I'll take less money: 15%, whatever percent, let's just get the fight on.

"I want to be in real fights, I want to be tested. I need it."

DeGale worked his way to the mandatory position by stopping Brandon Gonzales on the undercard of Froch's victory against George Groves at Wembley Stadium last May, in what was considered an IBF title final eliminator.

The Brit also confirmed he would act as support to Tony Bellew and Nathan Cleverly's highly anticipated rematch in Liverpool on November 22. DeGale's opponent is expected to be announced on Wednesday and the 28-year-old revealed it would be a "former world-title challenger".

Froch, who was recently named BBBoC Boxer of the Year for a fourth time, is thought to be hanging on for a Las Vegas swansong, but confirmed he is not interested in fighting Groves for a third time.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd