DeGale out in the cold

Lots of people have been off work this week because of the weather - but if you've got a trainer like Jim McDonnell, you can forget all about that.

At 6.30am this morning, former world title challenger McDonnell - known for his own incredible fitness levels even at 48 - had Olympic gold medallist James DeGale running miles through the snow and doing crunches on the icy terrain.

"Special fighters come along once every 20 or so years and I really put him in that ilk," said McDonnell.  "I think he can become one of the best British boxers of all time."

"Train hard, fight easy," added DeGale. "Hard work and motivation - in fact, that's what his (McDonnell's) motto is - hard work and dedication."

The Londoner, now 5-0, is getting ready for his next learning fight to take place on February 13th at Wembley Arena on the undercard of Sam Sexton v Danny Williams.

"I'm in great shape, the shape of my life.  Actually, I'm lying to you - I've just come off Christmas!  But I'll be in great shape soon."

With McDonnell in his corner, there's no doubt about that.