05.01.09 – by James Slater – A gold medal winner at the Beijing Olympics last year, 22-year-old James DeGale has, as we know, signed a professional deal with top British promoter Frank Warren. Set to make his debut later this year, DeGale has been angered by reported claims by Joe Calzaghe and David Haye that he may not have the stuff needed to make it at pro level. No slouch himself when it comes to the talking, the ultra-confident prospect has fired back at both men..
Speaking in today’s Sun newspaper, the 22-year-old has told of how upset and angered he was when he first heard that two of his fellow Brits questioned his talent.
“B******s!,” DeGale, from London bellowed. “I’m so disappointed because Joe Calzaghe is one of my all-time favourite boxers. I’m hurt, man. As a fighter he is wicked, I love him. But why should he slag me off, dissing me like that, and saying my hunger’s gone because I’m a millionaire already?
“I wish I was [a millionaire]. People read I’m getting £1.5 million for turning pro but that’s not in my bank yet. It’s spread over two years. Okay, if things go right I will be a millionaire. But even then I wouldn’t want people to think because I get a bit of money my hunger’s gone. Boxing’s all I do and anything I get I earn the hard way.”
This writer, admittedly, did not read the remarks that Calzaghe and Haye have obviously so insulted DeGale with, but the 22-year-old did, and as you would think he is far from happy. Why would two boxers from his shores want to suggest he may not have the stuff needed to make it at pro level? Wouldn’t it have been better for the two world champions to have offered DeGale support and encouragement? Sure, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but give the fighter a break – he hasn’t even fought as a pro yet, after all.
DeGale, after he’d finished giving Calzaghe some stick, moved on to David Haye.
“Haye is a silly sod,” the Olympian said. “Do you know what it is? He’s got the hump because I’m better looking than him. How dare he say I won’t make a good pro? I can’t wait to prove people like him wrong.”
DeGale is one of a number of amateur stars ready to make their assault on the pro stage in 2009 – and Ireland’s Darren Sutherland, who has both won and lost to the Gold medal winner, made his debut just before Christmas – to rave reviews. DeGale will be itching to score his first KO also.