Floyd Mayweather says James DeGale is the best fighter in the UK right now… and not even Anthony Joshua can match him
Money delivered the ultimate compliment to Chunky before his huge super-middleweight unification crunch on Saturday
FLOYD MAYWEATHER reckons James DeGale really is the best of British - even though, at first, he didn't know who he was!
The Money Man took to the stage today ahead of Chunky’s huge super-middleweight unification crunch with Badou Jack on Saturday.
Mayweather has been promoting Las Vegas based Swedish WBC champ Jack’s career ever since seeing him in a Sin City gym six years ago.
The fight legend , who retired with a perfect 49-0 record, is backing his man to send the Londoner packing at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn.
Yet Mayweather is adamant Olympic gold medallist and IBF king Chunky is the finest British fighter around and will severely test Jack in the Big Apple.
Mayweather said: "When I first saw DeGale I didn't know who he was. I was like 'Who is this?'
"In my opinion, he's the best fighter in the UK right now.
"But I want to thank the fans from the UK for supporting James DeGale.
"I hope they stay with him after Saturday night because we don’t know what’s gonna happen.
“His team have done one hell of a job.
“Badou is one of the best in the world. When a guy comes from overseas to accomplish his dreams, taking a bus to the boxing gym every day, he has to be commended.
“I commend James on his career, he’s had one hell of a career. Badou Jack too is very humble, very appreciative of his craft and is awesome.
“He never cried, he never complained. He just goes out there and does it.
“This is a brilliant way to start the year. Both these guys are great fighters.”
It’s impossible for the spotlight not to shine on Mayweather - even if he was a whopping 40 minutes late for this press conference.
All the buzz here has been about a potential $100 million blockbuster against UFC star Conor McGregor.
But the Money Man, who remains a constant whirl of contradiction, added: "I am a man of my word. Am I coming back? Absolutely not. I am living through these fighters.”
DeGale is pumped up and ready to return home with both belts wrapped around his waist.
Chunky said:"I've had a wicked camp and on Saturday night two world class fighters will go to war.
"I have no doubt I will become the unified champion."
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn added:"I remember when Derek Edwards beat Badou a while back but the way he came back was brilliant. He was underrated.
"But James is on a different level, one of the most talented in the world. Maybe he should be promoted by Floyd Mayweather. He'd loves James' skills.
"This the best versus the best. That's what it's all about."