James DeGale’s opponent for the October 30th bout at Liverpool’s Echo Arena has been named as Ally Morrison. 32 year-old Cumbrian Morrison is undefeated in three professional fights and will be taking on the Olympic gold medallist in a four-round contest.
The fight will mark DeGale’s fourth professional fight and will be a welcome return to the ring for the young hopeful, having not fought since July when he demolished Ciaran Healy inside a round in Manchester. Nevertheless, the man known as ‘Chunky’ has been training hard, even heading out to the States to train with Floyd Mayweather Jr, something the young Brit described as “the experience of a lifetime”.
Having cornered Mayweather Jr and Uncle Roger at the Peacock Gym in London during the American's promotional tour for his comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, DeGale landed an invite to train with the “Pretty Boy” out in LA. DeGale said, "Watching him train for two to three hours non-stop each day has made me realise how hard I need to continue working to become world champion. His drive, determination, discipline and dedication is second to none."
DeGale, being several weight divisions higher, didn’t spar with Mayweather himself but he certainly seemed to take a lot from the experience. “Floyd and Roger Mayweather, his trainer, have given me advice and tips after sparring with one of the gym’s hot prospects Deon Savage, 5-0 who I handled with ease. Savage said to me afterwards “You are going to the top and I am going to chase you there.” Savage has sparred Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell and he told my trainer Jim McDonnell that Ward and Dirrell have more experience than me, but I have more skill.”
High praise indeed considering Ward and Dirrell's participation in the ‘Super Six’ tournament, and exactly the sort of confidence boost Degale will relish as he prepares for Friday's bout.
The fight will be part of a superb card headed by Tony Quigley v Paul Smith for the British super-middleweight title as well as contests featuring Tony Bellew, Frankie Gavin, Stephen Smith and Jamie Cox amongst others.
Kell Brook has withdrawn from his British welterweight title defence against Michael Jennings due to the effects of a virus. Jennings still boxes on the bill against TBA.
Tickets priced at £30 (Tier), £40 (Tier), £50 (Tier), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and £200 (Ringside) are available from: Liverpool Echo Arena 0844 8000 400 www.accliverpool.com Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500 www.ticketmaster.co.uk Frank Warren Promotions 01992 550 888 www.frankwarren.tv
