What is your opinion of him? I used to think he was really going places, I feel he is naturally very talented, he does show flashes of an elite skillset, but he seems lazy and very arrogant. I thought his fight with groves was very close, and that degale really underestimated and had no respect for George. I hoped he would learn from that and be better for it, because if he really worked hard and kept focused he would be a really good fighter. Sadly I just don't think he has the focus
i like his style its unusual for a Brit to have a style like that, yeah he does need to be focused i think after he got wobbled in that fight with that big guy think reality kicked in a bit for him he knows he aint superman now
The opinion he has of himself is far higher than anyone elses opinion of him - and that's the problem!! This hasn't just been since he turned pro, as he was like this when he was at Dale Youth as an am. He behaves like a spoilt brat when he doesn't get his own way. One example was in the ABA's when he got beat by George Groves and he refused to train or spar with him after, deciding he would go to the gym on different nights to train with the juniors!!!! He obviously has ability, that's clear, but for me he will never fullfil that potential because of his arrogance. Technically he is decent and has the skillset, doesn't get hit often but for me he does not hit hard enough to move any higher than he is now. I feel that even Steiglitz, possibly the weakest of the world champions in the division, would beat James at this point in time imo. Get rid of Ronald Mcdonald as his trainer, get rid of Fwank as there's obvious issues there, and see if he can kick-on, lose the attitude, lose the pre-fight ****ishness, and concentrate on his boxing.
I don't think his power is a problem, andre ward has proven that technique is what really mattefo I'm not comparing degale to ward by the way
He is having promotion problems at the minute i think. But yeah he thinks he is better than anyone else does. What do you think should be next for him?
After getting humbled and beaten and also rocked and following his interviews , mocked, he has probably realised his **** doesn't smell that fantastic. If he doubts it, it's all on youtube to watch anytime he likes.
I don't like the way he talks, got what he deserved against Groves. But I like that he's going about business quietly now. The sky's the limit for him, heavy-handed, technically sound, and I think he'll always find a way to win on those off nights.
He's not going about his business quietly his career is in limbo due to his fall out with Frankie.As soon as he is fighting again expect the ****ishness to resume it's a pity as he's a great talent but the mentality seems to be awry.
The inactivity of the likes of DeGale, Groves, Bellew and Price is criminal. If/when he ever gets it together, I think he'll go far. Would seriously benefit from getting his head down and moving to the USA I think.
Big Phil Degale has some good skills but no where near as good as he thinks. Flashiness and substance are not the same thing. He looked a million dollars against Paul Smith but people did not grasp that Paul Smith was ready made to order. I know Groves would beat Degale because not only are Groves fundamentals better he has superior fighting IQ which is a quality Degale lacks. Groves has several ways of beating Degale. By boxing on the backfoot DeGale did not have an answer. Even if you don't like your opponent you don't go in there not respecting him. Degale prepared with his cheerleaders whilst Groves went to Florida sparring with seasoned better world class fighters like the Dirrell brothers, hungry youngsters like Chris EubanK Jnr etc. The early years in developing a young fighter are critical. Ward learned, Groves is learning unfortunately Degale is not.
Hes a ****ing Gobshite and deserves to be treated by contempt by FWP... He has ideas above his station and thinks hes a big shot ... in fairness he done well in his last fight in denmark ,but hes still a gobshite
degale is quality IMO everyob banging on about groves beating him but it could have went either way id fancy degale when they fight again
So what has he failed to do in your opinion after losing to Groves? He hasnt been beaten by anyone else and is the European Champ?