By James Slater: Tonight in Birmingham, in the televised opener of Frank Warren’s big “Magnificent Seven” Card, 2008 Olympic gold medallist James DeGale scored the biggest and most impressive win of his now eight-fight pro career. Halting the experienced and tough Carl Dilks of Liverpool in the very 1st-round, the hot-prospect known as “Chunky” got the job done much quicker than anyone expected.
Opening up with a classy burst of punches right at the end of the opening three minutes, DeGale hurt and staggered the previously unstopped Dilks, sending him into the ropes on unsteady legs. Referee Howard Foster wasted no time in diving in, stopping the fight at the 2-minutes and 54-second mark. DeGale is now 8-0(6). Dilks is now 14-3(5). The fight was an official eliminator for the British super-middleweight title.
Both men came out looking for one another right at the bell, but it was soon apparent how southpaw DeGale was the much faster man. Switching to the orthodox stance for a brief moment, DeGale, who did taste one decent right hand to the head from Dilks, soon switched back and turned on the class. Opening up for the first time in the round, “Chunky” caught the fighter known as “Dynamite” with shots to both head and body..
Then, with the seconds counting down on the opening round, the gold medal winner from Beijing let loose with both fists again. A long left uppercut started Dilks’ downfall, and DeGale went for and got the finish he was looking for. Some fans felt the stoppage was a little premature and some boos were heard. Noticeably, however, Dilks never complained.
All in all, a very impressive display from DeGale; one that proved he is already one of the best 168-pounders on the domestic scene. A fight with British champ Paul Smith, who was at ringside, will be very interesting. However, promoter Warren, when asked who will be next for his star, said he wants George Groves. DeGale echoed these sentiments by saying, “bring it on, ugly boy!”
Warren, in urging Groves, DeGale’s former amateur rival, to “put his money where his mouth is,” said he has offered Groves a big payday to appear on his next card, planned for December. So, could we see this fascinating fight, a real grudge-match as it is, happen as soon as this year? The ball is in Groves’ court!