Former IBF super-middleweight champion James DeGale will face British rival Chris Eubank Jr on Feb. 23 at London’s O2 Arena.
DeGale (25-2-1, 15 KOs) vacated his IBF belt in June last year in order to pursue bigger fights, rather than facing a mandatory. The pair held talks over a fight in July, according to ESPN sources, with Eubank Jr reportedly top of DeGale’s list.
Eubank Jr (27-2, 21 KOs) was defeated by George Groves in the semifinals of the World Boxing Super Series as he aimed to emulate his father, Chris Eubank Snr, in winning his first world title.
The 27-year-old got back to winning ways with a retirement victory over JJ McDonagh in September, while DeGale beat Fidel Monterrosa Munoz in his last fight two days later.
The winner of the February bout could face WBA super-middleweight champion Callum Smith (25-0, 18 KOs), who defeated Groves to win the title in the WBSS final last year.
DeGale had also been linked to face long-term foe Amir Khan but negotiations over a fight fell short late last year.
“Finally… it’s on!” DeGale tweeted, confirming the fight Thursday.
Finally… its on! #DegaleVsEubank #Feb23 pic.twitter.com/gn6XGQwceI
— James DeGale (@jamesdegale1) January 3, 2019
“This fight has been a long time coming,” former Olympic champion DeGale later told a press conference.
“When he [Eubank Jr] first turned professional the guy was calling me out. He’s very deluded. On Feb. 23 I get the chance to finish him good and proper, because after he’s lost to me I’m not sure where he’s going to go.”
“At this stage in my career big fights, fan-favourite fights are the only thing I’m looking for,” Eubank Jr said. “This fight has been four, five years in the making. James says I’m deluded I guess you guys are just going to have to find out. In February it’s going to be a painful lesson for [DeGale].”