Sunday 15 January 2017 07:57, UK
James DeGale must deliver an exciting performance against Badou Jack to set up blockbuster fights back in Britain, says Carl Froch.
The IBF super-middleweight champion will unify titles against WBC holder Jack in New York City, live on Sky Sports on Saturday night, but future fights are looming with Callum Smith and George Groves.
“Jack won’t be able to nail him early on, he won’t land a punch because DeGale is such a skilful, talented kid,” Froch told Sky Sports.
I want to see him force the issue and excite the crowd. They want to see some action, and believe that DeGale can come back here and give Callum Smith a good fight, then take on George Groves in a rematch and beat him.
“Late on, I want to see that continue with high work-rate. DeGale can land more precise shots because he’s skilful.
“Force the pace, put him on his back foot, hit him to the body and head, land a couple of combinations then go back for a second attack rather than thinking ‘I’ve nicked the round so I’ll coast’.
“I want to see him force the issue and excite the crowd. They want to see some action, and believe that DeGale can come back here and give Callum Smith a good fight, then take on George Groves in a rematch and beat him.
“By coasting a decision in the last six rounds, you don’t [excite the fans] or sell me your story.”
Watch Carl Froch’s full interview at the top of this page – the former super-middleweight world champion discusses DeGale vs Jack, his own history with DeGale and Groves’ chances of striking gold.
Watch James DeGale v Badou Jack in a unification fight from the Barclays Center, New York, live on Sky Sports 1, 2am, Sunday, January 15.
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