DeGale's power has a lasting effect

There were not too many boxing fans coming out of West Ham's Upton Park with much to say about Stourbridge fighter Sam Horton over the weekend.

No, it was all about James DeGale, the Olympic gold medalist who took five rounds to clinically dispatch his Black Country opponent and take his first title, the WBA International belt.

'Chunky' may have flattered to deceive so far in his seven fight paid career but still has five knockouts on his record, although some suggest that certain foes put up about as much resistance as a chocolate fireguard.

The likes of Jindrich Kubin and Ciaran Healy, who both never made it to the second round, fall into that category with Horton - on paper at least - the sternest test yet for the Hammersmith competitor.

So is DeGale really ready to step it up? Because for all of his nice, fast punch combos on Saturday - the three that dropped his opponent for the decision were a joy to behold - some of his work was a little disjointed.

The 24-year-old explained afterwards that he needed the rounds, but that would be the last of his worries if the likes of George Groves were stood on the other side of the ring.

Nonetheless, the cocksure super middleweight has made a believer out of one man - Horton.

He said: "DeGale is a world-class fighter. He's a class act and will be in contention for a world title.

"I'm not downhearted at all. He can really hit when he puts his combinations together. I really felt some of them."

So what next for DeGale? In his post-match interview, the WBA International title once again called out Groves, who beat him as an amateur.

Taunts of the likes of "ginger kid" and "I used to beat him up in sparring" have been designed to goad the Commonwealth champion into the ring, but a lot depends on whether promoter Frank Warren wants to run the risk of DeGale taking on such a tough customer so early in his professional career.

Groves' camp want it, in fact they have offered £50,000 for DeGale to take the fight, yet still it didn't come to fruition.

But that is the sort of test the new WBA International champion must look at after winning his first title, as he will never get his critics off his back fighting the journeymen of the circuit.

Is the much-vaunted Olympic star man enough to step up to the plate? It will be interesting to find out.

By Craig Birch