James DeGale eyes up world title after latest super show

May 20 2010 By David Baker

james degale

James DeGale has vowed to land a world title within the next two years after claiming his first professional belt on Saturday night.

Any fears the Harlesden southpaw would be taken the distance in his first 12-round bout were quickly thrown out of the window as the Olympic gold medallist eased his way to a fifth round triumph at Upton Park to claim the WBA international super-middleweight crown.

The 24-year-old looked in complete control from the opening bell, landing some big punches early in the first, before flooring his opponent, Sam Horton, in the second. He ended it in emphatic style with a stunning right-hand uppercut, left hook, right jab combo.

Speaking after his seventh successive win since turning pro, DeGale said: "I thought I boxed well and, to be honest, I felt like I could have gone 15 rounds. It was a bit like a practice session.

"I just did what I would in the gym, and I thought it could have been stopped earlier."

DeGale, nicknamed ‘Chunky’, is now looking to bag more titles.

He added: "It feels good to claim the first title, but, trust me, this is the first of many, because all I am thinking about now is titles, titles, titles. I predict I will be British and Commonwealth champion by the end of this year.

"The target after that is a shot at the world title, hopefully at Wembley, in 2012 and I genuinely believe that will happen."