Friday, November 27, 2015

James Degale vs. Lucian Bute: Predictions & Preview


By IDran James

Another big fight happening Saturday night in Quebec City, Canada, at the Videotron Center will be James Degale (21-1, 14KOs) defending his IBF super-middleweight title for the first time against Lucian Bute (32-2, 25KOs.) Degale is a favourite going into this bout, with many wondering if Bute still has it in him after his devastating loss to Carl Froch. After the loss to Froch, injuries, and only 3 fights since 2012, the odds are not looking good for Bute.

It seems this fight is made for Degale, but if he is too aggressive in the beginning rounds and eases off in the latter, as was the case in his match with Andre Dirrell, this could give Bute an opportunity to take advantage. Bute might work out Degale’s awkward style by the later rounds, but more than likely the points will be in favour of Degale, by the time Bute figures Degale out.

As with many fighters who are at the end of their boxing career, one never knows how hungry and strong they can be when given the opportunity to regain glory. Bute has never lost in front of his home crowd and that is one advantage for him. If Bute can wear down Degale, who has shown a tendency to run out of steam in his fights, he could definitely give Degale problems.  Bute is a very good technical boxer, and if he can find some of his old form, then Degale will have his hands full.

An interested observer of the Degale vs. Bute match will be former world champion Carl Froch, who is now working as an analyst for Sky Sports.  In recent weeks there have been persistent rumours that Froch is considering a one-fight return to take on Degale, and win back his old IBF title, and then go back into retirement.  Froch will be interested to see how Degale handles the man that he destroyed in 5 rounds, in what was possibly the best performance of his career.  If Degale wins, but struggles against Bute, then the chances of a comeback by Froch for a showdown with Degale, will increase markedly.


On Friday,  James Degale weigh in at 167.4lbs and Lucian Bute weighed in at 167.2lbs.

The main event will be supported by a very full undercard at the  Videotron Center in Quebec City:

 Eleider Alvarez (18-0) vs. Isaac Chilemba (24-2-2) 10 rounds.
 WBC Silver light heavyweight championship.

Amir Imam (18-0) vs. Adrian Granados (16-4-2). 10 rounds, Heavyweight.
Oscar Rivas (17-0) vs. Joey Abell. 8 rounds, Light-Welterweight.
Yves Ulysse Jr (9-0) vs. Randy Lozano (10-7-2). 8 rounds, Heavyweight.
Bogdan Dinu (13-0) vs. Manuel Alberto Pucheta (38-10). 8 rounds, Light-Middlweight.
Sebastien Bouchard (10-1) vs. Giuseppe Lauri (55-17). 6 rounds, Light-Middleweight.
Custio Clayton (4-0) vs. Ivan Pereira (20-5). 6 rounds, Super-Bantamweight.
Vislan Dalkhaev (3-0) vs. Antonio Olugin (9-5-1). 4 rounds, Light-Middleweight.
David Maltias (1-0-1) vs. Lucnor Diseme (debut)

If you would like a full list of the many fights going on this weekend, visit Boxrec’s calendar with the  full listings. http://boxrec.com/calendar?v=d&d=2015-11-28

Watch the Degale/Bute weigh in: Copyright © 2015 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

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