Friday 9 October 2015 14:27, UK
James DeGale has reacted angrily to suggestions prospective opponent Chris Eubank Jr 'schooled' him in a 2012 sparring session.
DeGale defends his IBF super-middleweight title against Lucian Bute in Quebec on November 28 but has already been tipped to face Eubank Jr in 2016.
Eubank Jr (19-1-KO14) recently signed with Matchroom Promotions and makes his Sky Sports debut on October 24 when he faces Tony Jeter, and has spoken confidently about stepping up a division in the future.
I battered him and he said - and his Dad - 'I schooled James DeGale.' It was the stupidest thing ever.
But in an interview reported on boxingscene.com, DeGale said: "I'm pretty easy, but I'm on a different level to him.
"If he has a couple of good wins, if he can win a world title, then we can get it on. If not, he needs to shut his mouth and get on with his business. I'm a different level.
"He came down, he sparred me, I battered him and he said - and his Dad - 'I schooled James DeGale.' It was the stupidest thing ever.
"You know what kind of person he is - a d*******, publicity - knows if he mentions my name then people will want to talk. That's it.
"I don't care about him. He can do his own s***. He should carry on, train hard, get a couple of good wins."
Eubank Jr is likely to follow up his bout with America's Jeter by facing another of his long-time rivals, Gary 'Spike' O'Sullivan, at London's O2 Arena on December 12.
