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James DeGale says Floyd Mayweather cannot help Badou Jack in world title unification clash

Badou Jack of Sweden talks to Floyd Mayweather after retaining his belt
Image: Floyd Mayweather (left) has offered his guidance to Badou Jack

James DeGale is not bothered that Badou Jack has the backing of Floyd Mayweather for their world title unification clash.

The IBF champion will make his third trip to America for his super-middleweight showdown with WBC title holder Jack on January 14.

Jack's career has been guided by 'Mayweather Promotions', which was founded by the former five-weight world champion Floyd, who regularly watches the Las Vegas fighter from ringside.

James DeGale
Image: James DeGale is not worried about facing one of Mayweather's fighters

DeGale confronted Mayweather earlier this year to call for a fight with Jack and 'Chunky' is not worried about taking on a member of 'The Money Team.'

"Jack is a part of Mayweather's team, TMT, so it's good," he told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview.

"He's got very good backing from Floyd Mayweather and we all know Mayweather and we know he is still huge, but he's not getting in the ring with me on fight night, is he?

DeGale: I'm best on the planet
DeGale: I'm best on the planet

James DeGale aims to prove he is No 1 super-middleweight

"It should be a good fight. Now it's finally being confirmed, I am on it. I'm in business."

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DeGale's British rival George Groves was beaten on points by Jack on the undercard of Mayweather's farewell win over Andre Berto in Las Vegas last September.

Badou Jack, George Groves
Image: Jack floored George Groves on the way to a split decision victory

Groves complained angrily about the scoring, but DeGale dismissed his old foe's claims, and believes Jack is better than his results suggest.

"Badou Jack is an underrated fighter. He's a bit like me, he doesn't really get enough credit," said DeGale.

"Since he won the world title, I think he's an improved fighter and got better. If I am not on my game, or not on the ball, I could easily lose to Jack.

"Don't forget Jack beat Anthony Dirrell to win the world title. Then he beat Groves convincingly - he put him down and I mean beat him convincingly - and then he handled Lucien Bute.

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The Londoner has revealed his ambition to face Gennady Golovkin in the future

"Concentration has always been my problem, switching off because I know it's too easy, but for this one I've got to be fully-focused on my game to beat Jack.

"If I don't I know I could lose and I don't want that. You will see me become a unified world champion."

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