London boxer James DeGale beats Andre Dirrell to take vacant IBF super-middleweight belt

London
boxing
James DeGale
Sport
Sunday 24 May 2015 at 10:18am

London boxer James DeGale, Olympic champion in 2008. Credit: Press Association.

London boxer James DeGale has been crowned the new IBF super-middleweight champion after a historic victory over Andre Dirrell in Boston last night.

The Olympic medallist and Harlesden native has become the first Briton to win Olympic gold and a world crown in the professional ranks.

DeGale floored his American adversary twice during the second round, but Dirrell fought hard and came back in the middles rounds.

The judges unanimous decision scored him 117-109, 114-112 and 114-112.

Both men were cut and bloodied as they landed hard blows and fought for control inside the ring, to the delight of spectators. Speaking afterwards he said: