James DeGale overcomes Lucian Bute to retain IBF super-middleweight title in Quebec

ByDan Quarrell

Published 29/11/2015 at 10:06 GMT

James DeGale further ensured that this was a very memorable weekend for British boxing with a victory over Lucian Bute on a unanimous decision to retain his IBF super-middleweight title in Quebec.

DeGale, who is now expected to chase a unification bout with WBC victor Badou Jack, triumphed over former champion Bute with the judges scoring the fight 116-112, 117-111, 117-111 in his favour.

The 29-year-old, who became an Olympic champion in 2008, was pushed hard by the Canadian in what was his first world title defence – and proved to be a successful one.

"I said Lucian Bute is a world-class fighter. I'm young, fresh and peaking now but all credit to him," DeGale said after the fight.

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"He's a champion and, believe me, he will be back.

"I think my defence was all right - I still have to work on things.

"The next three or four years, that's when I'll be at my best."

Lucian Bute (L) of Canada takes a punch from James DeGale of Britain during their International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight title boxing match in Quebec City

Image credit: Reuters

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