WBC Silver super middleweight champion James DeGale has warned undefeated Gevorg Khatchikan he is in "hot trouble" when they clash at the City Academy in Bristol on Saturday, March 1. Former Olympic gold medallist DeGale defends his title live on Channel 5 when Mick Hennessy promotes in association with Bristol-based Chris Sanigar. And he is promising an "aggressive performance" against the former IBO youth champion, is heading West to upset the Briton's plans for world domination in the super middleweight division. "I've heard Bristol people are passionate about their boxing, they've had a couple of good fighters over the years, so it should be good, I'm looking forward to it," said 2008 Olympic champion DeGale. "You're going to see a lot more power,a lot more spite an aggressive me and you'll see a good finish he's (Khatchikian) in trouble, trust me." Defeat is not an option for DeGale, who meets meets Netherlands-based fighter Khatchikian ahead of his WBC sanctioned final eliminator against Badou Jack for the mandatory position for Sakio Bika's coveted WBC World super middleweight title. With that contest in the private negotiation period and likely to be decided by purse bids on March 14, DeGale headlines a packed show in Bristol that includes Lockleaze-based British bantamweight champion Lee Haskins and young heavyweight sensation Hughie Fury. But Khatchikian will be looking to crash DeGale's plans of becoming Great Britain's first Olympic and professional world champion. The Netherlands man is in great shape and has had plenty of notice for the fight, given that he was contracted to take part in a routine six round contest last Saturday. Having successfully come through the fight and improving his record to 20-0, the former IBO Youth champion knows that victory over DeGale in Bristol will catapult him into the world mix and towards his own ambitions. DeGale is adamant he will not fall into the trap of under-estimating his latest opponent and, with a world title eliminator in the offing, is determined to produce an emphatic performance in front of a partisan Bristol crowd. "I'm not looking too far passed him (Khatchikian), he's unbeaten, he's ambitious and he's coming to win," DeGale said. "I've had a look at him on Youtube and he's tough, he's game, he likes to have a fight, he's kind of fast. "But the way I'm feeling now, I'm going to look to put on a wicked performance and prove that I am world class and I'm ready to box for the world title and win the world title." Also scheduled to fight on the show is a whole host of talent, including local Bristol fighters Dan Sarkozi, Lee Nutland, Ashley Lane and Dane Kelly and Weston-super-Mare's Liam Hunt in his professional debut
You can tell Degale is wanting a slice of that pie that Groves is eating I just dont think he has the power to cut it at world level at SMW. He goes life and death with cans. This will be no different
He might just have that style though, where no matter the level of the opponent he may make every fight 'hard work'. We wont know until he steps up though
True. He has skills for sure, his head movement and ability to avoid and slip punches is top notch. That style where every fight is hard work I know what you mean, like Martin Murray. Goes life and death with you whether your name is Sergio Martinez, Felix Sturm or a bum called Sergey Khomitsky
well said why all these haters lets get behind a kid who's trying his hardest in the toughest sport of all