James DeGale believes his path to stardom has been tougher than that of fellow Briton Anthony Joshua as he prepares for his world super-middleweight unification against Badou Jack at the Barclays Center in New York on Saturday.
IBF world super-middleweight champion DeGale takes on WBC titleholder Jack as he bids to become one of sport's elite fighters. The fight will be DeGale's fourth consecutive bout outside of North America having claimed the vacant IBF crown with a unanimous-decision victory over Andre Dirrell in 2015.
DeGale has become accustomed to winning away from home, claiming a gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 while Joshua captured the world IBF heavyweight title on home soil last year after he won gold at London 2012.
And although DeGale credits the achievements of Joshua, the 30-year-old feels he has faced tougher obstacles in his career to date.
"I've done it the hard way my whole career," DeGale told ESPN. "Even the Olympics was away from home in China. I've had to go to America. I've had injuries and boxed in leisure centres and shopping centres.
"We've had different paths, me and Joshua. We're both Olympic gold medallists and world champions, but I won mine away from home, and he won both of his at home. Don't get me wrong, he's a great talent and a superstar. Everyone loves him."
Source: PA
