James DeGale plots downfall of Paul Smith in British title clash

Oct 21 2010 By Tim Edwards

James DeGale says he will be happy to play the pantomime villain when he faces home-town hero Paul Smith for the British super-middleweight title in Liverpool.

The 24-year-old is expecting a barrage of abuse from a hostile sell-out crowd at the Echo Arena on December 11 but is not fazed.

If anything, the Harlesden powerhouse will revel as the bad guy when he goes toe-to-toe with champion Smith, who has won 29 of his 30 professional fights.

“A ring is a ring,” said DeGale. “I don't mind the boos. I got booed at the Olympics. It is all a bit panto but I am used to it now as my trainer Jim (McDonnell) boos at me when I train. I am cool with the boos. Anyway the people who boo are usually the ones who end up asking me for a picture or autograph.”

DeGale has enormous respect for Smith but insists he has a plan to overpower his opponent.

“I am not going to give away any details of the plan I am going to use to win,” he added. “It is going to be tough as Paul is an excellent champion. But I am ready for the step up and it is time for me to put up or shut up in his own backyard.

The blockbuster event, which will also see Nathan Cleverly, Kell Brook and Frankie Gavin on the bill, is on course for a sell-out with more than 5,000 tickets already sold since going on sale last week.

Promoter Frank Warren was trying to secure Smith a world title shot but talks broke down because of the “ridiculous sums” of money being bandied about.

Smith, who is not one to shirk a challenge, urged Warren to set up the DeGale fight instead and now it is all systems go.

“Paul just said 'let's go for it', so that is what we have done,” said Warren. “Paul is the champion and this is a title fight a lot of people have been talking about for a while, but it is one I was loathed to make. James is coming into the lion's den but both fighters are very confident.

“When it takes place I am going to go and sit in the seats at the back and watch it up there – it will hard for me to watch.

“James has had a lot of publicity and fanfare (with winning Olympic gold) whereas Paul has done it the hard way. If he wins it will put him right in the limelight.”

Smith believes DeGale is running before he can walk.

“These are the fights you want to be having,” said the Scouser. “James is a prospect and you don't win an Olympic gold medal for nothing. But I have got to emphasise the word 'prospect' as I don't think he is ready to step up for the title just yet.”

For an exclusive interview with DeGale see next week's Harrow Observer.

Tickets for the ECHO Arena show can be ordered by calling the Arena on 0844 800 0400; Ticketmaster on 0844 844 0444 or See Tickets on 0871 220 0260. Prices range from £40 to £250