Degale Faces Truax in Rematch
James DeGale (23-2-1 14KO’s) was on the rise. A hotly contested draw against Badou Jack last year in a fight of the year candidate introduced him properly to an American audience. “Chunky” (named because he was chunky as a kid) was a charismatic British fighter that flashed swagger and a big smile seemed poised to return to the UK and face fellow countryman George Groves in what would be an all British mega-fight.
Then Caleb Truax came to town.
“I think he’s making excuses, he couldn’t stop talking about how great his shoulder felt heading into our first fight.”- Caleb Truax
In front of thousands of hometown fans, an obviously out of shape James Degale dropped a majority decision to the veteran. Truax the unlikely champion earned the biggest win of his career, after losing each time he faced top opposition.
“It was a terrible performance, it was shocking.” Degale said. “The loss came after reconstructive surgery on an injured shoulder” Degale continued “I rushed my shoulder back from reconstructive surgery and if I’m being honest. I took him lightly.”
Truax on the other hand, doesn’t believe it. “I think he’s making excuses, he couldn’t stop talking about how great his shoulder felt heading into our first fight.”
At the Hard Rock Casino Hotel in Las Vegas this Saturday the two will get to settle the score at a much smaller venue than the spectacles for boxing the UK.
“Trux has tasted what its like to be a world champion. He’s going to be hungry and have that burning desire to beat me. At the end of the day, I’m just too good for him, and I’m going to prove it. I have to make a statement.”
A loss could spell the end for Degale and he’s already convinced himself it could mean retirement. “The thought of walking away from boxing breaks my heart. If I haven’t got it anymore I will quit. But I know what I have left, I’m 32 and this should be my prime.”
