BY GABRIEL PRINCEWILL
The world title fight between James Degale 20-1 (14) and American champion, Andre Dirrell, 24 -1 (16) has been given the green light today by the IBF sanctioning body. Eddie Hearn who promotes Degale, lost purse bids to stage the fight in the 02, and may now be forced to stage the fight in America later this spring. The opportunity for Degale comes after Carl Froch vacated his WBC belt in search of a more lucrative rematch fight against Andre Ward. This fight is likely to be part of a bill that features Andre’s brother Anthony who defends the WBC version of the world super middleweight title against Badou Jack in Chicago on April 1st.
Degale stands to earn just over $2m dollars for the fight (£1.4m) in what will be his toughest fight to date. This will be the ultimate test for flashy Degale, who has so far delivered in all his 20 fights, bar the one controversial loss to George Groves in 2013. Fighting in America will be a moral set back for the very capable Londoner because there isn’t much to separate both fighters in terms of innate ability. The American will have lots of supporters there, and the fact his brother may be fighting under the same bill will bolster the psychological boost fir the American whilst intensifying the pressure for Degale.
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Degale had always insisted he would have beaten Carl Froch, who is a proven champion in his division. The threat he posed against Froch may have influenced the latter’s decision to vacate the belt, even though the experience, sheer determination, and tenacity of Carl Froch would have likely made him the favourite for that fight. Now, Degale will get a chance to demonstrate the super qualities he has always insisted he possesses. The atmosphere will certainly be hostile against him. It will be a good fight
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