For years after he turned pro I thought he was a bit of a tool, cheered George Groves every second of their fight, was pleased Groves won. The last 18 months to two years though, mainly in interviews with IFL TV, he's come across as a really likeable guy, down to earth and self-deprecating. When he finally left the fat chancer, (AKA Mick Hennessy,) and signed with Matchroom and Sky sports, things looked good. His last two performances have been superb; exciting and clinical. All good so far. Then the bad. James couldn't have known that Eddie Hearn and Chesney from Coronation Street (AKA Carl Froch) would put his career on hold while they chased the pipe dream of an easy, mega money pay day against Julio Cesar Chavez Junior. Month after month it's gone on, Degale unable to move forward while Big nose and his cheerleader faffed and fiddled, deluding themselves with visions of Vegas. Froch has finally, at long last given the title up, and James will fight for a world title in April, but doesn't know who against. Can anyone imagine Sauerland doing this to George Groves? Me neither. Hope Degale can come through and win the title, but the way he's been treated leaves a bad taste.
As Hearn told Groves on Twitter yesterday, he has got DeGale a world title shot, in his home town with a 50/50 split. Whereas it looks like George will have to go to the US for his next shot and will be getting a lot less than 50%!!! I don't think DeGale has done badly from his Matchroom, a fight at Wembley Stadium, then on another PPV card and now a title shot at the O2. Im sure he would have been delighted if offered that before signing.
Degale fight isn't confirmed to be at the O2 for starters, also groves is far more important to sauerland than degale is to matchroom
That makes a change for Hearn. He usually puts his fighters abroad without giving a sh*t when it comes to titles.
TBF to fast car I'm pretty certain he thought he would be able to pursuade Froch to defend against Degale in a big UK PPV...it's Carl to his credit who has told Eddie to go the route of his choice ie the Chavez pipe dream. I'm not his biggest fan but Hearn has done alright by Degale since he signed for matchroom.
Sympathy? Business is business. These things happen. DeGale shouldn't be surprised Hearn has been trying to secure the best deal for Froch at the detriment of himself (If that is what's been happening- I'm not sure). Froch is the Matchroom cash cow and has been for years. DeGale has a world title fight and good pay days ahead. Don't feel sorry for him.
degale was fighting in shopping centre's before matchroom picked him up weren't he?, think they've worked on this media skills so he comes across as less of a ****. Eddie has got him likely home advantage for a world title shot in april, and assuming he wins has a big PPV fight against either froch or groves.
You like Degale in interviews? He is ****ing annoying if you ask me. He does not stop fidgeting! Did you see the ones from yesterday lol
discounting the trash talk all these kids think they need to sell fights,James generally comes across as a reasonable guy.I think he has the talent to go all the way and I hope he does.I like Groves as well and we tend to forget that he had the ***** to try and get the title from Carl,and nearly succeeded when there were probably easier roots for them.My dream future fight would be a rematch between the two if they both held versions of the title....a huge British super fight in my opinion.