James DeGale received the shock of his life when he surrendered his IBF super middleweight crown to Caleb Truax in December, but the Brit has promised he’ll be ready to reap revenge on the American during their rematch in Las Vegas.
Ranked no.1 at the time, DeGale returned from a shoulder injury only to be beaten by Truax on points and has since spoke of his shame and embarrassment over the result.
The Brits has it all to prove on Saturday and claims his career is on the line in his biggest match yet – one that he surely certainly won’t underestimate this time around.
Our boxing betting expert has taken a look at the fight.
Truax out to show he’s a true champion
Truax handed DeGale only his second career defeat at the end of last year, in what was one of boxing’s biggest upsets in 2017. He’ll provide another stern test for the man nicknamed ‘Chunky’ and will likely have the backing of the American crowd as he defends his IBF title for the first time.
‘Golden’ was ranked a lowly world no. 53 when he outfoxed DeGale in their last battle in London, and a second win this weekend would cement Truax as a deserving champion in the twilight years of his career.
At 34, the man from Minnesota is no spring chicken, but he showed unbelievable stamina to overcome DeGale. ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ – I can see him adopting a similar strategy to their last fight and Truax will likely look to grow into the bout and make this one another slog for the full 12 rounds.
Despite stepping into the ring as champion, the American is the underdog for this one and can be backed at 3/1.
All or nothing for DeGale
James DeGale has admitted this fight will make or break the rest of his career. Lose, and he will retire. Win, and he will claim back the IBF belt that he claims belongs to him.
The Brit has locked himself away the last few months and turned his back on his usual glamorous lifestyle to ensure he’s properly prepared for Truax.
The former IBF champion made a name for himself through his fluency, urgency and skilful boxing style, and if he can show the form that earned him his rise to the top then he will cause Truax problems that many expected him to in December.
The 32-year-old is 1/4 favourite with Grosvenorsport.com to come out of this rematch victorious.
DeGale
With so much at stake for DeGale, I can see him coming out the traps early and causing real problems for Truax. He won’t want to leave this up to a points decision after the outcome of their last battle, and he’s sure to want to land big hits in the early rounds and put this one to bed early on.
The former champion is still favourite for a reason, and if he is indeed fitter and more prepared for this fight then I think he will be too much to handle.
I’ll be backing DeGale to knockout his opponent at 13/4.
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