DeGale Pledge’s Future to Trainer

　
　
　

Former Super Middleweight British champion James DeGale has announced his commitment to long time trainer Jim McDonell. DeGale’s pledge came after some thought and consideration following his first defeat of his professional career at the hands of George Groves.

DeGale has said McDonell has brought him so far and he would not be where he is today if it hadn’t been for Jim. So what next for DeGale?, a change of trainer would have been a bad move for DeGale in my opinion. Sometimes too much can be read into an undefeated fighter losing for the 1^st time but look in the history books, how many boxer’s managed to remain undefeated throughout their entire career?.

Take a look at how many boxer’s still slug it out for world titles with between 4 and 7 losses on their record. No doubt James DeGale needs to bounce back and bounce back he will with Mcdonell and promoter Frank Warren fighting the cause. Warren and DeGale plan a world title by the end of 2012, a reachable goal in anyone’s book.

DeGale seems to be coming to terms with the shock defeat to Groves and admits he made mistakes. In reflection James said he never threw enough punches in the first 6 rounds and allowed Groves to steal the rounds. Still wanting a rematch DeGale is going to have to fight for it and play the catch up game from here on out. Many experts believe DeGale would have the upper hand if the former stable mates (poor choice of words ‘mates’) were to meet again saying the surprise element of Groves’ tactics are no longer.

Regardless of how well Groves fought, some pundits believe George Groves is a one track fighter and will never win a world title on his own, my immediate reaction to that was “I can‘t think of any boxer that won a world title on his own“ what about their trainer, cut man and that guy that just stands on the apron pretending to be busy?. Others believe Groves will struggle on the world stage as all the top fighters have adapted his “Running style” of fighting.

James DeGale amongst others say Groves is scared of a rematch and I say scared of what?. St George beat DeGale as an amateur and again in the Professional ranks so let’s give him some credit and let us stop talking about a rematch. I am certain they will meet again but in the mean time both Groves and DeGale plan world titles in 2012/2013 which is great for British boxing. The ideal scenario would be for both fighters to be putting world titles on the line in their rematch.

Jim McDonell and Adam Booth are world class trainers and both deserve world honours for which ever boxer their in the corner of. I said before the Degale v Groves grudge match it would come down to whoever had the best camp and Adam Booth came out on top on this occasion. I also said a defeat for DeGale would do him the world of good. Now back in the Gym I’m sure it won’t belong before we see ‘Chunky’ DeGale back in the ring with a fire in his belly and a point to prove.

Not a boxer on the planet know what they are capable of until they are until they lose a fight, then they just have to think to themselves “what was all the fuss about?”.