The U.K.’s James DeGale is getting comfortable fighting on the road.
After winning the world title in North America, the IBF super middleweight champion will make his first defense in Quebec, Canada. The man he’ll be facing is the city’s own Lucian Bute, a former titleholder and local star.
James DeGale vs. Lucian Bute odds at BookMaker.eu
Lucian Bute +500
James DeGale -800
Please note, these odds may have changed, as BookMaker updates their lines on a daily basis.
THE ONE-MAN BRITISH INVASION
A 2008 Olympic gold medalist for Great Britain, James DeGale traveled to Boston to fight American Andre Dirrell this past May for the vacant title. DeGale got off to a fast start, scoring a pair of second-round knockdowns, but had to hold off a furious rally to win a close decision. In victory, he became the first Brit gold medalist to also win a professional world title.
Now, he’s traveling to Canada in hopes of another overseas conquest. “Bute is a world-class, elite-level fighter who kept his world title for five years,” DeGale said. “Anyone who can do that deserves some serious respect. I’m the champion and he will be very fired up trying to win back his old title. But I’m too young, too fast, too skillful to let that happen.”
Bute - 32-3, 25 KOs - is a native Romanian, but became a Canadian citizen in 2012 and made his home in Montreal. From 2007-2012, Bute held the belt that DeGale now claims - successfully defending it nine times before losing to Carl Froch in 2012. The loss was particularly demoralizing as Bute was knocked out out cold in the fifth round of a one-sided beatdown.
Since then, Bute has only fought three times due to injuries and extended periods of inactivity. What’s more, one of those bouts was another lopsided loss to fellow Montreal fighter and former light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal. Bute bounced back with a knockout of an unknown Andrea Di Luisa this past August, but the 36-year old’s time as a top contender might be nearing an end.
“I am really happy to have this opportunity at this point of my career,” said Bute. “I lost my title in England against an English fighter and now I will box in Quebec against another English boxer, for the same title I defended for five years. I am really motivated by this opportunity to regain the title I lost in 2012. Whatever happens - however I win - I’m coming back with my belt.”
FIGHT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Let’s be honest, Bute’s peak was years ago. He’s still an upper-echelon boxer, but he has not aged very well since his loss to Froch three years ago. DeGale is quicker, stronger and more dangerous, and the boxing odds are a clear reflection of their current career trajectories. Yes, Bute will have a hometown advantage fighting in Quebec, but it’s not nearly enough to overcome the gap in talent. This is DeGale’s fight to lose.
PREDICTION: DeGale TKO 9 Bute
HOW TO BET
Make sure to check in during fight night and get the latest live betting updates. You can bet on real-time odds during the bout, allowing you to hedge your bets at Bookmaker Sportsbook or even make new ones as you watch on live television. And with multiple reliable payout options, collecting your earnings is always quick and easy. DeGale-Bute takes place on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at the Videotron Center in Quebec, Canada. The card will be televised on Showtime starting 10 p.m. ET.
