Frank Warren keen for stunned James DeGale to face rematch with Caleb Truax

Shocked | Caleb Truax beatsJames DeGale
James Chance/Getty Images
John Dillon11 December 2017

James Degale looks set for a rematch against Caleb Truax after his shock defeat by the American at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday.

DeGale lost his IBF super-middleweight title when beaten on points by Truax, who had been a huge outsider to win.

The defeat is a massive setback for the Londonder, as it has cost him a potential showdown with the winner of the fight between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr, which is due to take place early next year.

But promoter Frank Warren is keen to help DeGale, who was making his first appearance for 11 months after undergoing shoulder surgery, bounce back next spring.

Warren, who returned for a one-off deal with the 31-year-old and hopes to talk to the boxer’s US-based adviser Al Haymon about the next step, said: “We will get Christmas out of the way and try to make the rematch.

“Any loss is a setback - especially if you are a champion and you lose your title. But champions come back and win them back. I only had a one-off deal with James for this fight. But I would like to see him come back and win.

“I was really pleased we were working together again. I’d like to sit down and try to help him now. We’ve seen loads of fighters do it down the years. It is about coming back and regaining the belt.

“He was out for a while and he’s got to get back in there and do it. He has got to be tough mentally.

“You have to be if you are a boxer and a champion. That is what it is all about. If you have a bad day at the office you have to push it to the back of your mind and learn from it - then get back in the ring again and show them what you’re made of.

“It’s not like he’s a washed up fighter. He’s only 31 and he’s had only 25 fights. I don’t think he will retire. This was a big upset. But you have to take his shoulder into consideration.

“His punches were not flowing - part of that is probably a mental thing. I’m sure he tested the life out of it in sparring. But in a fight it is a different thing.”

DeGale, who has hinted he may make changes to his team, although he has spent his whole career with trainer Jim McDonnell, said: “To say I’m devastated is an understatement. That was not the James DeGale in the ring that you’re used to seeing.

“I’ll take some time out over Christmas and New Year to reflect.”

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