James DeGale vs. Lucian Bute: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info

The current IBF super middleweight champion takes on the former title holder when James DeGale goes up against Lucian Bute in Quebec City, Canada.

The newly opened Centre Videotron stages an intriguing bout that pits two men with points to prove.

Fresh from claiming the vacant belt earlier in the year, DeGale will be determined to prove he's the best around at the weight limit right now.

Bute, meanwhile, can show there is still something left in the tank, even if he is now 35 and coming off two defeats in his last four fights.

When: Nov. 28, 11 p.m. local (11 p.m. ET, 4 a.m.—Sunday Nov. 29, GMT)

Where: Centre Videotron, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

TV: Showtime (U.S.), Sky Sports (UK), Canada Indigo (Canada)

Live Stream: Showtime online (US) SkyGo (UK—subscription required)

Road Warrior

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

DeGale's decision to go on the road for the first defence of his title may seem slightly strange, but he has his reasons for travelling to Canada to face Bute.

In fact, according to Gareth A. Davies in the Telegraph, he has several million reasons for heading overseas.

Chunky's choice to sign a promotional deal with Al Haymon has opened up the possibility of making plenty of money in the prime years of his career.

He helped his earning potential by claiming the vacant IBF belt by beating Andre Dirrell on points back June, in doing so, extending his professional record to 21-1 (14 KOs).

DeGale's victory on American soil saw him create a piece of boxing history—he became the first British fighter to win both an Olympic gold medal and a world title in the paid ranks.

He admits his new status has led to a change in attitude, telling Nik Simon of the Mail:

"

I only rate myself now about a seven or eight out of 10. I’ve got high expectations and there’s much more to come. You ain’t seen the best of me. I’m fitter and more focused than ever. Before I was hunting but now I’m the hunted. People come to spar me and they want to kill me. I’ve got to stay switched on constantly. There are guys gunning for me and they want to take away what’s mine.

"

DeGale can show in Quebec why he should be considered the best around at 168 pounds. 

With Andre Ward moving up in weight, things going a little quiet over a Carl Froch comeback and George Groves falling short at the highest level again, the Londoner's best option could be a unification bout with current WBC champion Badou Jack.

Still, at 29, the southpaw has plenty of time to create a substantial retirement fund.

However, to keep getting the big cheques, he needs to keep on winning in the ring. Bute is an opponent who should hold no fear, even if he is heading into the challenger's back yard.

Flawed Champion

The last time Bute fought an Englishman, he was the one going on the road. He was also the one defending the IBF title, a belt he had held for well over four years.

Everything, however, seemed to change on that night in Nottingham, England, when Froch dethroned him in brutal fashion.

Not only did he lose his beloved belt, he also lost his unbeaten record. Perhaps, even more importantly, he seemed to have the fight beaten out of him.

In an interview with Matt Christie of Boxing News, Le Tombeur admits the result against Froch was a major setback, "It took a long time to get over that. It was difficult. It was my first loss, and I lost my belt and I’ve had doubts and injuries over the last three years."

Since that night in 2012, Bute (32-2, 25 KOs) has only had three fights.

He bounced back six months later with a points win over Denis Grachev, but then a move up to light heavyweight to face Jean Pascal failed to pay off. Beaten in a battle of Canada, he took a break from boxing.

However, after 17 months out, he returned in August this year refreshed and ready to go again.

Working with a new trainer in Howard Grant, Bute stopped Andrea Di Luisa inside four rounds.

Now, going up against a Brit again, he has the chance to exorcise a few mental demons. He at least knows DeGale is not the same type of fighter as Froch, albeit that doesn't mean the task is any easier. 

Bute also has the added benefit of being at home. Well, his adopted home—Bute was born in Romania.

Prediction

DeGale is a slick boxer who has the ability to win fighting from long range. But sometimes he simply cannot resist getting involved in a scrap with an opponent.

He dropped Dirrell in Round 2 in his last fight, yet he allowed his opponent to rally in the second half to the point where it was far from a foregone conclusion when the verdict was announced.

Bute must know this is his last roll of the dice. A defeat to DeGale would leave him with nowhere to turn, particularly as he's already tried shifting up to light heavyweight.

That desperation could play into his hands, but it's hard to simply wipe away those memories of that harrowing loss to Froch.

For that reason, DeGale will do enough to retain his title via a points decision.