On Saturday James DeGale will make his debut on the other side of the pond, earning himself over £1,000,000 for the first time in his career, in a fight against Andre Dirrell for the Vacant IBF World Super-Middleweight title. As exciting, and lavish, as this sounds - it has by no means been an easy journey for DeGale. 

In his first professional fight, after representing Team GB at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and winning a Gold medal, DeGale was greeted by much audible booing after he had been taken the distance by a much lesser opponent in the form of Vepkhia Tchilaia. Talking to The Independent on Sunday he noted: “It’s been a hell of a battle. Remember my first pro fight when I was booed? That was embarrassing and stupid.”  

DeGale had only himself to blame for making the fan-relationship worse, in his 11th professional bout, he met fellow Brit George Groves, where he lost on the night by a Majority Decision. This would have been bad enough; losing to someone you trained with as youngsters, and, were close with in that regards. However, DeGale's attitude also made sure that the large majority of British boxing fans wanted to see him lose. The line that sticks in most peoples minds regarding their bout, was, "Hate" is a very strong word, but I’d rather be taken out of there in a coffin than lose to Groves on May 21,”. A lot of fans of DeGale found it hard to continue supporting him at this point, whilst he was derided by boxing fans in general for his, then, ridiculous attitude. 

After his loss to Groves, DeGale's career suffered even further. He was consistently being hampered with knee and groin injuries. But even more demoralising was the people he was now fighting, and, even more so, were the establishments he was fighting in. Before the Groves fight, he had fought at: Upton Park, the Echo Arena, the M.E.N Arena and Wembley Arena. Now though, he was facing relative nobodies in venues such as Bristol Sports Centres, Bluewater Shopping Centre as well as having to travel out of the UK to get fights including, Canada and Denmark.

Looking back this year at this period, DeGale opened up to The Independent on Sunday; “I thought to myself 'Hell, what the f*** are you doing here? You’re the Olympic champion for Christ’s sake!'' It was hard to get motivated. I had some depressing moments when I was thinking ''Do I need this in my life?'' It was evident at this point that DeGale was struggling. He opened up even further, citing the depression that comes with boxing, to the The Independent on Sunday; "People, don’t realise what boxers go through. There are many cases of retired boxers getting depression. Look at Frank Bruno. I can half see it, because of the lonely, mental side." It's fair to say, in the toughest period of his career: DeGale's fitness was tested, his resolve was tested both in and out of the ring and, most of all, his desire was tested. 

We're now on the cusp of DeGale travelling to America to fight for the recently vacated IBF World Super-Middleweight Title, which, if he does indeed win - will consequently put his name in British boxing history. He would become the first Gold medallist to also win a professional World Title. Something, which, DeGale is adamant will happen, but also, is hopeful of the reprecussions it will have for him; “I’d like to think that once I win this title I will be appreciated,” he said to The Independent on Sunday.  

It's clear that DeGale has shed his over-the-top attitude, in favour of just getting his head down, and doing what he loves, despite, the struggle and strains it has put on him. A lot of boxing pundits have pointed out that he seems more mature now, that the period after his loss against Groves was arguably for the better of his career, as, he has come through that period not only a better boxer, but quite simply a better, maturer, man. "I’m 29 now, I’ve got more important things to think about than playing silly sods." he said to The Independent on Sunday

There's an easy way for DeGale to make that statement ring true, as I'm sure there will still be a minority of DeGale-critics, but, if he wins the title and makes British boxing history, there can't really be any disputes that all this man wants to do is box, and, to be loved by his home fans. 

His promoter Eddie Hearn has even touched on the subject recently, talking to The Guardian; “His popularity in the last 12 months has gone through the roof not just because of his performances at Wembley and Liverpool but because people have got to know him. Now people are seeing his desire and he’s going to smash Andre Dirrell from pillar to post and stop him within 10 rounds.” 

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About the author
Stuart Plant
London based sports writer. Recent English Lit + Creative Writing graduate. I love my Boxing, football (West Ham United) and international Rugby.