I said prior to the fight that James DeGale only had to marginally improve from his first fight with Caleb Truax to regain his IBF super middleweight world title, and he did. But it was another grueling and perhaps too tough a fight.
It’s more miles on the clock for the 32 year old former Olympic and now two time world champion. The fight was close and the scores of 117-110, 114-113 and 114-113 reflect that.
Hampered by a cut from a headbutt in the 3rd DeGale once again proved his toughness, but you wonder what another hard fight leaves in the tank going forward.
DeGale looked good for two rounds, despite the action being a little messy, an headbutt from DeGale in each round was a sign of things to come. The butt in the 3rd looked as though it might prove pivotal, from that point on to be a really tough night for the Brit.
I had the impression that Truax would eventually walk his man down, DeGale didn’t appear to have the power to stop the relentless march forward. But DeGale dug in, gutted it out, to pull out the victory.
DeGale clearly has a rematch with George Groves in his sights should he get past Callum Smith or even Chris Eubank Jr if he stays at the weight.
DeGale says he has another two years left in the sport, but I seriously doubt that. Truax is tough and never stops coming, but he is also limited, and DeGale struggled with him.
DeGale never gets the credit he deserves, but a long career is clearly taking it’s toll, and there might not be many nights left for him in the ring.
Retirement is not that far away despite this win, and for me I hope it’s sooner rather than later.
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