Inevitably talk already growing of DeGale-Groves 2 or meeting with Froch.
Promoter and Matchroom managing director Eddie Hearn has confirmed that James DeGale is the latest boxer to join his growing stable in a press conference on Thursday.
The 28-year-old has recovered after his controversial loss to bitter rival George Groves back in 2011, and has worked his way back into the division by being named as a mandatory challenger for the WBC strap to face Sakio Bika.
Meanwhile, he was also named in a final eliminator to become the mandatory challenger for the IBF title, which could result in him facing the winner of the Carl Froch and George Groves rematch on May 31 at Wembley Stadium.
However, DeGale is likely to first face legal action from former promoter Mick Hennessy after he confirmed that the fighter had terminated his agreement.
While Hennessy will argue that he took the Harlesden-born star to the cusp of a world title shot after he joined from the Frank Warren Promotions banner only to leave with years still on his contract, DeGale has been left frustrated as his standing in the sport has taken a hit with his fights being shown on Channel 5 and being held in small venues.
His latest move will likely reinvigorate his persona out of the ring and make him a much more appealing name given the draw that Hearn has with his shows, and inevitably all the talk will now be about making a fight with either Froch or Groves later this year.
DeGale was largely disliked back in 2011 given his perceived arrogance in the build-up to the Groves fight, but having flown under the radar since, it appears he is ready to make a splash on the world scene again with an upcoming title shot later this year.
Hearn confirmed that DeGale will face Brandon Gonzales on the undercard on May 31, with the view of facing the winner of Froch and Groves, and the latest Matchroom star has told the assembled media to strap themselves in for the ride as he looks toward a “future that is very bright”.
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