Thursday 13 November 2014 08:42, UK
James DeGale admits he sees his fight against Marco Antonio Periban as a stepping stone to a shot at the world title next year.
The Londoner is ranked as the No 1 challenger in the International Boxing Federation's ranking, and is due to face the Mexican in Liverpool on November 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
It’s a massive risk. I’m No 1 challenger for the IBF. I didn’t have to take this fight.
DeGale also revealed his professional goal was to become the first British Olympic gold medallist to win a world title, after claiming gold in 2008 in Beijing.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "It’s a massive risk. I’m No 1 challenger for the IBF. I didn’t have to take this fight.
"I’m fighting Periban, he’s a good fighter, fought for the world title against Sakio Bika. I know he lost on points but there was nothing in it and he’s boxed at a good, good level.
"It’s a massive risk for me, but I’ve trained extremely hard, feeling good and I can’t wait until next Saturday."
DeGale has talked about getting a shot at IBF champion Carl Froch some time in the future, though the Nottingham boxer has dismissed the idea out of hand.
And DeGale added: "This isn’t about Carl Froch. I’m not chasing Carl Froch, I’m chasing my dream to be a world champion so whoever’s there I’ll box.
I can go all the way to the top, I'm boxing for the big fights. I want to be the first British Olympic gold medallist to win a world title.
"First things first I’ve got to get past Periban and then, early part next year, I’ll be boxing for a world title."
DeGale then admitted his historic goal of becoming the first British fighter to top the world at Olympic and professional levels.
He said: "I can go all the way to the top, I'm boxing for the big fights. I want to be the first British Olympic gold medallist to win a world title and I’m nearly there, I've got to get past Periban.
"I’m in the No1 position to box for the IBF world title, the early part of next year. That what’s it about."
Watch DeGale v Periban live and exclusive as part of Cleverly v Bellew II, on Sky Sports Box Office on November 22, with Joshua, Groves, Smith and more, also on. Go to skysports.com/cleverlybellew to book.
