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James “Chunky” Degale will be Champion

By Ronnie Jordan: The magnificent 7 has just been announced in the UK with a large chunk of our home-grown talent on the same bill. James Degale in only his 8th pro bout is already due to face very decent opponent. Recently in an interview with Steve Bunce he claimed he's already the best in the country stating " I can't see anyone domestically taking me 12 rounds".

In a recent article at boxingnews24 the writer seemed to be offended by this statement and strongly disagreed with the readers also leaving negative comments about Degale. Opinion in the UK has been divided about the Olympic gold medallist since he turned pro with some lauding over his talents and others seeing him as overrated, flashy loud mouth.
What people are forgetting is self promotion and selling arenas and box office tickets. It is not all about being liked; Degale's arrogance is what makes me believe he'll make it.

If you want interest in your fights you have to sell yourself. Of course, Ricky Hatton a boxer with probably the most devoted fans in boxing history was loved for his working class humility and down to earth nature, but Ricky Hatton type popularity is very rare. Look at the most successful fighters in history; Muhammed Ali, Floyd Mayweather, Roy Jones Junior, Sugar Ray Leonard ect ect. They expressed themselves and ignored people who said they were arrogant or flashy. The bravado is all about breeding confidence in yourself and putting fear and doubt in your opponents. You need that confidence bordering on arrogance in you or else you'll be eaten alive.

What you can’t deny about James Degale is his obvious talent. He's hard hitting with both hands, fast and throws punches from awkward unorthodox angles.
Bigragu an American boxing analyst on youtube has started making prospect perspective videos where he takes a look at future prospects analysing there strengths and weaknesses. He believes James Degale is one of the best he's seen, better than the US prospect Daniel Jacobs. He does however point out Degale’s negative habits such as his low hands and his tendency to duck below the waste which would be dangerous against better opponents. But what he recognises is his great skill speed and power.

For me Degale hasn't realy moved into fifth gear yet and by his own admision in his last fight was experimenting with new techniques and skills. Most boxing fans see George Groves as a better prospect but for me although I rate Groves highly I see Degale as having that extra something needed when they move up to world level. Groves has a more traditional orthodox fighting style throwing heavy hooks to head and body which eventually wears his opponents down. He doesn't seem to have the one punch KO power or blistering speed. Neither does he posses exceptional skill or movement. This is ok for now but when he moves up to world level against fighters like Dirrell and Ward he'll become predictable.

Because of Degale's unorthodox stance, he catches opponents of balance. He throws hooks with both hands from unusual angles and his cat like reflexes helps him land from distance. If he works on his fundamentals such as his defence and movement, he'll have a more solid foundation to work from and become harder to hit. Then he can use his offensive attributes to more effect.

I believe Degale has the ability to be as good as Dirrell and Ward and it’s up to you whether you want to recognise that now because he'll only prove you all wrong one day!