Even I was surprised how easy fight was - DeGale

May 21 2009 By Tim Edwards, London Informer

JAMES DeGale's quest to prove he can cut it as a pro is back on track after he demolished Jindrich Kubin in Belfast on Friday night.

The Dale Youth ABC starlet promised a huge improvement on his shaky points win over Georgian Vepkhia Tchilaia in February, but even he was left surprised by the gulf in class between his two professional fights to date.

The 23-year-old middleweight Olympic champion stopped Kubin in the first round at the Odyssey Arena, ending the 30-year-old Czech's unbeaten 5-0 record.

"I'm a bit shocked with my own performance," said DeGale.

"I've gone from my first fight - which I still cringe at when I watch it - to this."

And that is something some sections of the Belfast crowd cannot dispute, despite heckling him on his way into the ring.

However, DeGale admitted he had expected a frosty reception, but added that 'all the great fighters get booed'.

DeGale is now preparing for his 'homecoming' fight at London's 02 Arena on June 27.

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