Sunday 24 May 2015 09:47, UK
James DeGale says he is ready to take on any super-middleweight in the world after being crowned the new IBF champion in Boston last night.
The 29-year-old secured a unanimous points victory over American Andre Dirrell at the Agganis Arena, becoming the first British Olympic gold medallist to claim a world title.
"I am speechless. All I have ever wanted to do was to win a world title and I have finally done it. It's an unbelievable feeling, I am world champ. I made history - the first British Olympic gold medallist to become world champion," DeGale said.
"I am back now and injury free. I will take on any super-middleweight in the world. I am hard to beat when I am at my best."
DeGale enjoyed his most productive spell of the fight during the early rounds, sending his rival to the canvas twice in the second round. But he failed to maintain his fast start and Dirrell threatened a comeback late on.
The judges, however, saw through Dirrell's late surge and ruled in favour of the Brit, with one judge calling it 117-109 and the other two 114-112.
Despite a number of heated verbal exchanges throughout the fight between both fighters, DeGale remained full of praise for his opposite number.
"Let's not forget he [Dirrell] is a very talented fighter. An Olympic bronze medallist, he is a very hard fighter to beat. But there's no other super-middleweight that would beat me on my day," he said.
When asked what was said after the fight, DeGale revealed: "I said to him that 'you are a true champion', a skilled fighter and I respect him. He's a very skilled opponent and I knew I was in for a hard fight. But I was super fit and I am feeling good. I am world champion."
