James DeGale heads into this weekends rematch with Caleb Truax with much more than a title on the line, perhaps his whole career is on the line as well. A second defeat to Truax will surely leave DeGale with nowhere to go but retirement.
DeGale 32 with a record of 23-2-1 is one of those fighters that despite winning a world title, could perhaps have achieved so much more. In 9 years as a professional, DeGale has only amassed a modest 26 fights in that time. Injuries, of course, have played their part, and certainly have affected him, in some average performances over the time of his career.
Despite an indifferent fan reception, DeGale went 10-0 as a pro and looked the part, but a slim points loss to old amateur rival George Groves in 2011 set him back. Despite not losing again until the fight with Truax last time out, Degale frustrated by injuries and boxing on smaller shows, DeGale was in danger of being the forgotten man of the sport.
Signing a deal with Matchroom in 2014, seem to revitalise DeGale and in winning the vacant IBF super middleweight title against Andre Dirrell a year later, DeGale was finally a world champion.
Two successful defences were made before a career-best performance against Badou Jack ended in a draw in a brutal fight. DeGale looked the likely winner until Jack rallied late and dropped the Brit to salvage a draw.
DeGale signed with Frank Warren, and a seemingly routine defence against Truax was made. DeGale had only just recovered from shoulder surgery, and during the fight, DeGale was clearly struggling in a strangely off par performance, DeGale blamed it on taking the fight too soon after his surgery.
So this Saturday DeGale gets another opportunity to beat Truax and reclaim his IBF super middleweight title. There are lucrative incentives for DeGale, a possible fight with whoever wins out of Groves and Callum Smith could be within reach, but defeat could mean the end.
Only a minor improvement from last time should see DeGale have his hand raised, but DeGale will be looking for a little more I think.
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