Faulks Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 While Prizefighter fans await the results of votes to select the eighth man in the super-middleweight tournament later this month, one fighter who won’t be taking part is James DeGale. The Olympic gold medallist would probably be many punters pick but it’s not going to happen as his trainer Jim McDonnell explained after I put the suggestion to him. “They couldn’t pay his training expenses. It’s just a cheap publicity stunt (asking fans to select a fighter) but it gets everyone talking about the tournament. James is the best super-middleweight in the world over three rounds. Why would he take less prize money?” Prizefighter came up with the innovative idea which allows fans to select any super-middleweight of their choice and it’s not just DeGale who has a few votes as Matchroom's Director of Boxing John Wischhusen revealed. “We have had names like Kelly Pavlik (former middleweight world champion) but all we can do is ask the boxers if they want to take part. James (DeGale) has (also) been asked but said he doesn’t want to go in for it.” Names who have been mentioned though and are in the running include Scotsman Kenny Anderson (10-0) and Southern Area champion Tony Salem. DeGale’s great rival and Commonwealth champion George Groves has also been asked to compete but declined, although there is a possibility of the winner fighting him as a further bonus. McDonnell also believes it wouldn’t be fair on the other fighters if DeGale was to enter. “It’s impossible for anyone to get close, it would be a mismatch. James is a professional prizefighter and this would be a backward step. “James will have the right fights at the right time. The money, the experience and the opponent has to be right James has to learn his trade. There is a lot more to come (from him) and only when he faces the likes of Andre Ward (WBA champion) and Matt Korobov (11-0) will we see the best of him.” So no DeGale and no Groves but this Prizefighter is still a good line up and has enough to thrill a Wednesday night York Hall crowd and a Sky audience on the 30th June. Six men confirmed so far are former British champions Tony Dodson and Tony Quigley, former British Masters champion Eddie Mcintosh, former Amateur champion Daniel Cadman with Sheffield’s Peter Federenko and Scotsman Steven McGuire all gunning for the £32,000 prize. While I am not going to predict a winner just yet I think we could end up seeing both Anderson and Salem in the final eight. Unless James changes his mind! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamasadlittleboy Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Korobov's names an interesting one for DeGale...they won't meet but Matt has to step it up a bit tbh in his competition, he' talented but untested Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faulks Posted June 9, 2010 Author Share Posted June 9, 2010 Why would he ever want to enter? I though PF was for has beens, journeymen & those just off the radar. DeGale is none of these he's one of the most exciting we have. Imagine if he got knocked out by a journeyman. Career ruined Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamasadlittleboy Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Why would he ever want to enter? I though PF was for has beens, journeymen & those just off the radar. DeGale is none of these he's one of the most exciting we have. Imagine if he got knocked out by a journeyman. Career ruined Not a Groves fan? P.S. Wheels..Up ypours! :-p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheelchair Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Korobov's names an interesting one for DeGale...they won't meet but Matt has to step it up a bit tbh in his competition, he' talented but untested Not a Groves fan? You've just questioned your own post! mlol/ mlol/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamasadlittleboy Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 *whistles innocently* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheelchair Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 I clicked the wrong one was meant to be at faulks >_ http://images.easyart.com/i/prints/rw/en_easyart/lg/7/1/The-Simpsons---D-oh--Mini-Posters-71133.jpg mlol/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamasadlittleboy Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Thank god for an edit function>_> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheelchair Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 *whistles innocently* mlol/ mlol/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Why would he ever want to enter? I though PF was for has beens, journeymen & those just off the radar. DeGale is none of these he's one of the most exciting we have. Imagine if he got knocked out by a journeyman. Career ruined My thoughts exactly. He's no need to enter this type of competition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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