Briton lighter but holds his own in war of words at weigh-in
Saturday 23 May 2015 18:12, UK
James DeGale made weight and more than held his own in a war of words at the weigh-in.
The British super-middleweight came in at 167.2lbs, inside the 168lbs limit, ahead of his clash with the American in Boston, live on Sky Sports on Saturday night (9.30pm approx).
Dirrell came in slightly heavier at 167.8lbs and there was a heated nose-to-nose for more than 30 seconds.
DeGale pushed his face in first with the American rolling his head from side to side and, although the home fighter had plenty to say along with his boisterous entourage, DeGale walked away smiling as his travelling supporters cheered.
Asked what was said between them, the British fighter said: "Make sure you come and find me, don’t try and nick the title, let's have it.
"I have trained too hard for this, I am really up for this and I can't wait for tomorrow. It's been a long time, a long 16 weeks training and it all comes down to this.
"It's all on. I will be the new champion. We have both been extremely respectful, but he got in my face a bit today and told me it has got serious. But I was serious two months ago. I am on it."
The Londoner was carrying a Union Jack over his shoulders after hitting the scales, knowing that winning the vacant IBF super-middlweight title will make him the first British boxer to win an Olympic gold and become a world champion.
We have both been extremely respectful, but he got bit in my face today and told me it has got serious
And after spending the week with him and seeing him on the scales, Sky Sports' Johnny Nelson believes DeGale will make history with the help of his travelling support.
"I have never seen him so confident and look so comfortable ahead of such a big fight," said Nelson.
"It's rather intimidating for the Americans when the Brits come out in full force, so loud and rowdy. The Americans don’t get that. Dirrell looked upset, thinking: 'Where's all my people?'
"Let's wait to fight night and see how loud the Brits are then."
Watch DeGale v Dirrell live on Sky Sports 1, from 8.00pm, this Saturday. The fight is expected to start around 9.30pm BST.
