James DeGale hopes to win over his doubters among the British public by beating Andre Dirrell in their IBF super-middleweight fight, admitting his path from defeat against George Groves to world title contender has been a humbling one.
DeGale and Dirrell meet in Boston on 23 May with the British fighter attempting an 11th successive victory since he was beaten by Groves on points in 2011. Dirrell, 31, stands in the way of the London fighter and the vacant title and the American has lost only one of 25 fights – against Carl Froch in 2009.
DeGale is confident of a win that could endear him to the British public. After his first professional fight six years ago the 29-year-old was booed, while he also received a hostile reception during his ring entrance for the Groves contest.
“I’m more of a pro now. Do you remember my first professional fight? I got booed – a bit embarrassing and a bit stupid. It was a little bit mad.. But look who has been on top now. Believe it or not, I do get a lot of love on the streets,” said DeGale, the 2008 Olympic champion.
“I think once I win this fight against Andre Dirrell I will get a lot more respect. Andre Dirrell is known to be a good fighter and he’s only lost once, against Carl Froch when he should have won. I think after this fight, winning over there, is going to make a difference.”
Asked if the process of losing to Groves and rebuilding had been humbling, DeGale added: “Humbling, yes, a little bit definitely. It’s all a part of the journey, it’s all a part of the story.”
If DeGale prevails in the US he will become the first British fighter to have won an Olympic gold medal and a world title. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, said: “People ask me about the Groves fight but this is a different person. Not just a different fighter but a different person. He was just a kid then, what was important to him as well as the boxing was going out and being jack the lad. But then you grow up and realise what you want in your life.
“His popularity in the last 12 months has gone through the roof not just because of his performances at Wembley and Liverpool but because people have got to know him. Now people are seeing his desire and he’s going to smash Andre Dirrell from pillar to post and stop him within 10 rounds.”
