James DeGale: ‘Obsessed’ with creating his own slice of boxing history against Andre Dirrell

DeGale is ready to create his own slice of history tomorrow in Boston by becoming the first British boxer to win an Olympic gold medal and a world title.

James DeGale works out at The Ring Boxing Club in preparation for his super middleweight bout against Andre Dirrell on May 20, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

DeGale is ready to create his own slice of history on Saturday in Boston by becoming the first British boxer to win an Olympic gold medal and a world title.

Opponent

Standing in his way is the highly-regarded Andre Dirrell, whose only loss in a 25-bout professional career came in a controversial points defeat to DeGale’s compatriot Carl Froch six years ago.

Caution

DeGale is not taking the threat of Dirrell lightly, but the Englishman, 29, is convinced he will emerge with his hand raised as winner of the vacant IBF super middleweight crown.

‘Obsessed’

He said: “I’m obsessed with making history. It’s what drives me to work so hard in the gym and succeed in the ring. It’s been a 16-week camp come fight night, so it’s been a long time. My body and mind feel ready to fight, I am so sharp and in a very good place.”

Confidence

Describing his opponent at the Agganis Arena in Massachusetts tomorrow night, DeGale said of Dirrell: “He’s a tricky, talented, confident fighter. He believes in his ability. He said that he would not get beaten again in his career, and I am sure he believes that 100 per cent. So you have two very confident fighters going into the ring.”

Point to prove

DeGale has suffered defeat once as a professional in 21 bouts since winning Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games, to domestic rival George Groves in 2011. The title hopeful said: “I’m going to show everybody who I am. I’m driven to become the first Olympic gold medallist from the UK to win a world title, and I’m doing it for my country.”

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NatSportUAE