Fighters: James DeGale (16-1, 11 KOs) vs. Dyah Davis (22-3-1, 10 KOs)
Date: Saturday November 16
Time: 11 p.m. (GMT)
Watch: Channel 5 from 10 p.m. (UK) or streamed live on ESPN 3 (USA)
Stat lines sourced from Dan Rafael of ESPN Boxing.
Preview
A gold medal winner in Beijing and unbeaten in 18 professional fights, James DeGale heads into his showdown against Dyah Davis with a shot at the big time in mind.
The chance to compete for the world title doesn't just swing by casually however, and the 27-year-old Londoner must show his value to the super middleweight division against his latest opponent.
He will back himself to do just that on home soil although Davis is five years DeGale's senior and will be keen to make his own presence felt in London.
Speaking to Niall Hickman of The Daily Express, the American stated that:
He’s going to get knocked out and when he comes around I will be standing over him telling him to be more respectful next time and not look one step ahead. I’m coming here to do one thing—win.
Davis heads into the contest as the heavier and more experienced fighter.
His likely strategy of getting in close, bringing his aggression and counters to bear should force the initiative and make for an interesting clash.
With his quick hands, DeGale will need to make his combinations count and ensure he remains as tidy and accurate at all times.
His past professional fights have shown that the Olympian's punches lack real knockout power while errors have at times crept in when facing opponents prepared to hold back and pick their shots rather than go all in.
That could be a problem against Davis who may be able to walk through his deliveries when need be, fairly confident he won't be put down.
The American isn't a great puncher either in terms of stopping power, but he does possess a jab with decent range which gives him an entry point for managing the fight and dictating the terms of engagement.
Davis will be a good challenge for DeGale, who needs to start facing better and more accomplished fighters if he is to rise through the elite ranks and win a chance of a world title matchup.
If the Englishman can stay composed and cut out the mistakes, his agility and speed both across the ring and in his combination delivery should see him win the day.
With the fight taking place in London, this will be only the second time Davis has fought outside of the USA and home advantage could well be a major bonus to the gold medallist.
The former NABF champion is no pushover however and a victory would bring DeGale on again following wins against Paul Smith, George Groves and Piotr Wilczewski.
The latter victory came through a majority decision and the home fighter will be determined to take Davis down convincingly to prove that he is progressing into a genuine, top-class contender.
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