Monday 13 March 2017 16:51, UK
James DeGale's IBF title defence against mandatory challenger Jose Uzcategui has been put back after he was given a medical exemption, says his trainer Jim McDonnell.
DeGale (23-1-1) is obliged to face the No 1-ranked Uzcategui (26-1), but due to injuries sustained in his draw against Badou Jack in January, he has received more time to fulfil this defence of his IBF super-middleweight belt.
"They will just put a different time-scale on when the fight has to take place," said McDonnell.
There's a few negotiations going on in the background. There are other fights on the horizon.
"On paper, [Uzcategui] should be [DeGale's next fight]. But I'm not sure, there's a few negotiations going on in the background. There are other fights on the horizon."
Earlier this month, DeGale told Sky Sports: "I've had an operation on my nose, I'm sorting out my shoulder. Hopefully [I'll fight in the] early part of the summer.
"George Groves, there's a possibility of Callum Smith, my mandatory, moving up in weight, moving down in weight...
"I'm a buzz fighter. I want the big fights, the big arenas, I'm a prize-fighter."
The IBF could opt to pit Uzcategui against third-ranked Andre Dirrell (who DeGale beat to become world champion) in an interim title fight or a final eliminator to challenge for the full title.
