James DeGale says he will end Chris Eubank Jr’s hopes of reaching the boxing elite.
Former two-time world super-middleweight champion DeGale fights Eubank Jr at the 02 Arena on February 23 as he enters the final phase of his career.
Eubank Jr is on the comeback trail following his comprehensive defeat by George Groves last year and has regularly stated his desire to fight DeGale.
But DeGale dismissed his opponent’s chances now that the fight is on. He said: “Eubank doesn’t have the pedigree, the size or the skill to beat me.
“He is a decent fighter, but every time he has stepped up he has been found out. He has called my name for a long time so now I’ve finally got my chance to zip his lips.
“I am really excited and looking forward to being back home in London for a fight of this magnitude.”
DeGale, 32, relinquished his IBF title last July to seek lucrative fights such as this one and hopes victory will secure a rematch with Groves, who beat him in 2011.
However, Eubank Jr is confident about his chances, too, insisting: “DeGale is going to get the schooling of his career. A good old-fashioned hiding.”
Eubank Jr, 29, has fought once since his points defeat by former WBA champion Groves, beating Ireland’s JJ McDonagh in three rounds in Saudi Arabia. DeGale also won a low-key fight last time, stopping Fidel Monterrosa in three rounds in California.
