Olympic gold medallist has maintained for years that his style is all wrong for Froch…
James DeGale believes that domestic rival Carl Froch is “a bit scared” and is “looking for excuses” in order to avoid defending his IBF title against him.
DeGale became the mandatory challenger for the IBF crown after defeating Brandon Gonzales in their clash at Wembley on the undercard of Froch vs Groves II back in May.
As a result, the Harlesden-born fighter expects to now face his rival by February otherwise he will have to vacate his belt, something that Froch has insisted he wouldn’t do.
Nevertheless, the IBF and WBA champion continues to chase a dream fight in Las Vegas against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and although talks are on-going, it remains to be seen whether or not promoter Eddie Hearn is able to confirm the bout.
Meanwhile, DeGale continues to wait in the wings for his title shot and believes that Froch is looking for a way out of fighting him as he knows that he would have problems against his style.
“I suppose he is a bit scared. He knows that I’m a very good fighter and that I’m all wrong for him,” DeGale said in an interview with the Daily Star.
“He has looked at my style and thought ‘oh that’s a hard night’s work’. He would rather go to Vegas, box in Vegas and if he was going to lose to anyone, he would rather lose in Vegas to Chavez.
“He said I’m not good enough, I’m not good enough? That’s the killer one. I’ve been Olympic champion, British and European champion as a professional, and I’ve just boxed in the final eliminator for his world title. What else am I meant to do?
“If I’m being brutally honest, I don’t think he wants to fight me and he is looking for an excuse.”
In contrast to the approach taken by Groves, DeGale has remained largely respectful in the build-up to this potential clash, but he is perhaps now realising that that will not get him closer to setting up the fight and he will now attempt to rile Froch instead.
The pair were last seen together on Sky Sports when they were ringside in Liverpool to watch both Tony Bellew and Nathan Cleverly move closer to a grudge match, and Froch was undoubtedly open to the option of facing the Londoner.
While the public demand would likely call for another domestic dust-up, it remains to be seen what Froch opts for next, although it is clear that DeGale is ready and waiting for the call as he looks to secure a title shot before the end of the year if possible.
COMMENTS