WelshDevilRob Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 RUMOURS are rife that James DeGale will challenge Liverpool’s Paul Smith for the British super-middleweight title in December. The only person unhappy that such an intriguing matchup could take place is Paul David, who was scheduled to take on Smith on the 23rd of this month. by Matt Christie Given DeGale’s most recent form – his trouncing of Carl Dilks in a British eliminator – he is more than ready to take on the domestic king. It seems the oft-mentioned George Groves fight will wait – perhaps an indication on what would be the tougher contest for the gifted Olympian right now. It seemed unlikely that good friends James and Paul would meet. But with available domestic opposition – besides Groves – stark for both, it makes sound business and boxing sense to make this match now. And even at 29-1 (15), it would be an upset – for me at least – if Smith were to retain his crown. The likeable Liverpudlian took the title with an incredibly hard-fought split points win over Tony Quigley in 2008. It was a fantastic fight, but seemed to suggest that Smith had found his level. Such a feeling was not erased when “Smigga” came through another gruelling and bloody war of attrition with Tony Dodson to defend his title for the first time. It reminds me of the Gary Mason-Lennox Lewis matchup from back in 1991. Mason – more experienced, British champion and owner of flattering governing body world rankings – tried his hardest but could not get to grips with the superior talents of Lewis and was dominated in seven rounds. He simply had not met anyone like Lennox before. Will Smith be able to adapt where Mason could not? DeGale really does look to be something special. It is not often that someone comes along and appears destined to conquer the world in style. But James has a lot to prove and he must be aware for every Naseem Hamed there is an Errol Christie. His destiny is by no means a certainty. That will encourage Smith, too. A win for Paul is not out of the question and I hope I am not being disrespectful to him here. Who knows how “Chunky” will react if he’s forced down into the trenches during a drawn-out battle. Smith knows DeGale well, and knowing your enemy can be a great advantage. Paul Smith will see this as a massive chance to prove he can make the jump to European and world class. He has made no secret of his desire to operate among the best. All in all, Smith-DeGale is a tremendous fight for British boxing and I hope it is made. It is far too common for the British title to be devalued and overlooked. This could restore some shine to the glorious Lonsdale Belt, particularly with Groves waiting for the winner. Source: http://www.boxingnewsonline.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheelchair Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 warren// was talking crap// as usual then when said about DeGale fighting Groves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_budweiser Posted October 8, 2010 Share Posted October 8, 2010 Given DeGale’s most recent form – his trouncing of Carl Dilks in a British eliminator hardly a trouncing mlol/ good step up for degale , lets hope there's no bad ref stoppages on the night . When his brother Stephen Smith took on John Simpson, his brother was in the corner he looked a bit chubby, but there is plenty time until the fight happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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