James DeGale: "I used to beat Groves up in sparring"

On the eve of his first title fight against Sam Horton on Saturday night, Olympic gold medalist James DeGale reflects on his first year as a professional with BoxRec News's Paul Foley at his Loughton training complex.

How would you assess your first 12 months as a professional?

 “Apart from the first fight I think it has gone great. My last five performances have been sparkling, I have shown that I’ve come on leaps and bounds, professional and amateur boxing are very very different. I’ve showed I’m better power wise, fitness wise (and) all round.”

Where have you improved?

“Definitely power, I have just adapted all round. I’ve learnt about the media and that you can’t say certain things. A lot of people probably think I’m very arrogant but I’m not arrogant, I’m just confident. People who think I’m horrible and flashy will learn. I’m not arrogant, I’m very, very confident.”

Why do you think some give you a hard time on boxing forums?

“They are only a small minority who are small minded silly idiots who don’t have a clue about boxing. I get a lot of support on my Facebook and via email, it’s unbelievable and I don't get any grief.”

Outside of boxing what do you enjoy?

“I just chill, go out with a nice lady friend, eat, it’s just all good fun.”

Why did you choose Jim McDonnell as your trainer?

“When I went to Jim I just liked the way he trained. Before I went to the Olympics I met him a couple of times. He is like a close, close friend to me and Jim and I have formed a good bond together.”

What do you think of Audley Harrison?

“I’ve always said he is probably one of the most skilled and talented heavyweights out there, but has he got the heart? I am not saying he hasn’t but in this professional game if you aint got no a*** or heart you won't succeed in the professional game. He has been knocked out bad maybe that plays on his mind."

Do you know there is now a website dedicated to you fighting George Groves?

“Yeah I know they have just got to relax themselves, If I keep on winning hopefully this can happen, sooner rather than later. Hopefully I can knock him out sooner rather than later. I use to beat him up in sparring - that is fact. I told Frank (Warren) let’s get it on. But Frank said why go and box up in Manchester (on the Haye v Ruiz bill) it don’t make sense.”

Is there anything you don’t like about boxing?

“Just these small minded silly people who go on forums and hide behind their computers and chat their rubbish. I don’t go on them but I hear it. It’s a joke.”

Will you be a British or Commonwealth Champion by the end of this year?

“Definitely. I will be some sort of champ by the end of the year. I want to be rushed a bit more but it don’t work like that. You have got to do your rounds. All I want is the big names, any of the middleweights or super-middleweights.”

Is Frank (Warren) pleased?

“Yea he is dead chuffed, he is excited.”

What about Amir Khan leaving Frank?

“I think he could have been a little more loyal. In the end he always delivered and stood by him, but boxing is a business so do what you do.”

You and (Nathan) Cleverly might get it on?

“Yeah I’m big for super-middleweight. I don’t look big but once I’ve won a world title at super-middle I’ll move up.”

If you hadn’t have won the Olympics what would you be doing now?

“I would have turned pro but those two weeks changed my whole life.”