James DeGale is tipped by trainer Jim McDonnell to become an all-time great Brit boxer
Chunky arrives in New York for super-middleweight unification bout with Badou Jack knowing win will turn him into a legend
JAMES DeGALE is ready to take his place among the best British boxers of all-time — and he has done it the hard way.
Chunky arrived here last night ahead of his unification super-middleweight crunch with Badou Jack knowing a win will elevate him to legendary status.
Trainer Jim McDonnell reckons if WBC king Jack, 33, is sent packing, IBF champ DeGale should be regarded as the greatest of them all.
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He said: “James 100 per cent deserves to mentioned alongside the likes of Benn, Calzaghe, Eubank and Froch.
“Out of all those great names he will end up at the top of list. Why? He’s done something no one had ever done — turned Olympic gold into a world title — that’s history right there.
“It’s about levels. They have never got close to doing that. What he did as an amateur, he left them all in the cupboard and everything they did as pros, he is matching and bettering them.”
Saturday night’s date in Brooklyn will be 30-year-old DeGale’s fourth successive fight in North America.
McDonnell added: “And one further ingredient, he’s done it on the road. All in the lion’s den.
“James’ whole mentality is different to all those other names.
"You’d never see Froch do what he’s doing. Calzaghe had arms wrapped round him. People don’t realise what James did to get the title in Boston against Andre Dirrell who will go down as one of the best fighters never to win a world belt.
"He was exceptional, so to do it in his backyard was amazing. James has no fear.”
DeGale loves living the American dream but would wants nothing more than an emotional homecoming at his beloved Arsenal.
Highly-rated Scouser Callum Smith, 26, is on his radar and DeGale added: “Touch wood, everything goes to plan.
“I want this to be the first of three fights this year and if I come through this one, I want me against Callum Smith at the Emirates next.
“We can do it at the end of May. Arsenal will win the league that month and then I’ll win there, too.”
