DeGale to fight Benavidez in unification after Truax

By Scott Gilfoid: James DeGale (23-1-1, 14 KIOs) says his adviser Al Haymon has told him that after he defends against fringe contender Caleb Truax (28-3-2, 18 KOs) on December 9th, his next fight in 2019 will be a unification match against unbeaten WBC 168 lb. champion David Benavidez (19-0, 17 KOs.

Before he can fight the 20-year-old Benavidez, DeGale will be defending against the bottom ranked #15 IF Truax on December 9 at the Copper Box Arena in London, England. It’s unclear why DeGale’s management has matched him against someone ranked as low as Truax, as he was recently beaten by Anthony Dirrell in a 1st round knockout loss just last year.

It would have made more sense for DeGale to defend against the fighter that knocked out Truax. That’s matchmaking for you. No wonder DeGale has been able to hold onto his IBF title for 2 years.

“[WBC Champion] David Benavidez next year is the plan. I spoke to Al Haymon and asked if he could make that fight. He said ‘James, that is the plan.’ As soon as I’ve dealt with Truax the first stop in 2018 is Benavidez,” said DeGale to Boxnation.com.

Benavidez is supposed to be fighting a rematch against Ronald Gavril, who he beat by a 12 round split decision on September 8 to win the vacant WBC World super middleweight title. Benavidez looked weight drained for that fight. He was totally listless for 12 rounds. The only reason Gavril lost the fight was beaten he didn’t start throwing punches until the second half of the contest. If Gavril had let his hands go, he probably would have won with flying colors. The scoring was tilted in Benavidez’s favor despite the fact that he did next to nothing in the fight.

“I give Al Haymon thanks, he treats me extremely well. He delivers everything he says and he pays me extremely well,” said DeGale. ”I’m lucky enough that I can speak to him regularly, whenever I want to call him I can call him. He’s done a lot for me.”

DeGale hasn’t fought since his controversial 12 round draw against former WBC super middleweight champion Badou Jack. I had DeGale losing that fight against Jack. DeGale had his front teeth knocked out, and he was dropped hard in the 12th. It was easily the worst performance of DeGale’s career. He fought well for the first 4 rounds, but then he gassed out and took a beating in the last 8 rounds.

If Benavidez isn’t lethargic and weak against DeGale like he was against Gavril, he’ll likely beat him with ease. I don’t think Benavidez is right for the super middleweight division any longer. He’s outgrown the division at 20-years-old, and he needs to move up to light heavyweight already.