Audley enough, DeGale reckons he's got what it takes

Published on Wednesday 3 December 2008 09:08

JAMES DeGALE bristles at comparisons with Audley Harrison as he seeks to become the first British Olympic gold medal winner to claim a professional world boxing title.

Harrison agreed a 1 million, ten-fight deal with the BBC after striking gold at Sydney 2000 but the heavyweight never convinced against sub-standard opposition. With three defeats on his record he faces probably his last chance to rescue his career when he faces Martin Rogan in London on Saturday.

DeGale, who has signed a two-year deal with Frank Warren worth 1.5m, believes he will prove a greater success in the paid ranks than Harrison.

"I'm different to Audley, I'm not the same. I love boxing, it's my life," he said. "People ask me what books I read, but I only read Boxing News. People ask me what films I like, and I say boxing films.

"Technically, Audley is the best heavyweight in the world. He's a fantastic fighter. But there are doubts about his heart. Does he really want it?

"You've got to have the heart, you've got to want it and be fit. Maybe Audley doesn't have it."

DeGale is contracted to fight between six and eight times per year in shows that will be staged across the country.

The 22-year-old turned down offers from home and abroad in favour of Sports Network alongside fellow British Olympic team-mates Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders.