James DeGale vs. Rogelio Medina: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info
James DeGale makes the second defence of his IBF super middleweight title on Saturday against Rogelio Medina in Washington, D.C.
The English champion (22-1, 14 KOs) fights away from home for the third successive outing, as he looks to set up a unification clash with WBC holder Badou Jack, who faces Lucian Bute on the same bill.
However, DeGale cannot afford to look too far beyond Medina (36-6, 30 KOs). The Mexican boasts a 71 per cent career knockout ratio, per BoxRec.
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If you cannot watch the action, Bleacher Report will provide a live blog of the two main fights on the card.
When: Saturday at 9 p.m. ET (2 a.m. Sunday BST)
Where: Armory, Washington, D.C.
TV: Showtime (US), Sky Sports (UK), Mexico Televisa (Mexico)
Road Warrior
DeGale sees his next challenger as a mere steppingstone in his grand scheme for world dominance.
Chunky wants to unify the super middleweight division and then move up to light heavy. He told Nick Parkinson of the Daily Star: "To be a two-weight world champion would be great for my legacy and how many people have won super-middleweight and light-heavyweight titles from Britain?"
The Londoner does not lack confidence, that's for sure. However, he has every right to believe he can achieve his goals before retiring to count his career earnings.
After dethroning Andre Dirrell in May 2015 to become the new IBF champion, he successfully defended the strap against former holder Bute in November of the same year.
He won his last two outings on points but doesn't expect Medina to last the distance.
Per Allan Valente of SkySports.com, DeGale is determined to produce fireworks at the Armory:
"I'm just very confident going into this fight. My last two performances have been against top quality operators whereas this time round, it is still a fight with Medina, but I've had a bit of a touch here, my mandatory challenger, I'm getting paid but it is not as hard as my last two fights.
I've got to put on a performance, this guy shouldn't go 12 rounds with me, I've got to put on a good performance and look good. I'm super fit, I've just got to concentrate, be switched on and I'll be fine.
"
A slick southpaw who has won 12 in a row since losing to bitter rival George Groves in May 2011, DeGale is proving to be one of Britain's finest boxing exports.
However, according to Anthony Hay of MailOnline, the 30-year-old wants to fight in his own backyard next: "Once I beat Medina on April 30, I want the unification belt in London in front of my home people."
Jack would be the preferred option, since DeGale has already beaten Bute.
DeGale will have to wait to find out who ends the night holding the WBC strap. All he can do is keep his end of the bargain by beating Molina and extending his reign as IBF champion.
Dreaming Big
Trying to work out the IBF rankings is a tough challenge for anyone, but Medina doesn't mind how the governing body comes up with its list.
According to FightNews.com, the IBF is the only organisation to have him rated inside the top 15.
The 27-year-old—nicknamed Porky—has not been seen in a ring since knocking out Samuel Miller in May 2015.
That victory was his fourth quick win in a row. He kicked off the impressive run of results with a surprise stoppage of the previously unbeaten J'Leon Love in August 2014.
However, there is a question mark over the standard of opposition Medina has been facing in his homeland.
He has also lost six times as a pro, including being stopped by current world champions Jack and Gilberto Ramirez, who claimed the WBO belt from Arthur Abraham earlier in April.
Yet Medina cannot worry about the past—his only concern is trying to seize the opportunity that has come his way.
He said at the final pre-fight press conference, per Bad Left Hook: "I'm the youngest fighter on this stage. I'm also the hungriest fighter. This is the biggest opportunity of my career.
"I'm here to give it my all and take the most of this opportunity on Saturday night. My dream is to be a world champion and it is right in front of me."
DeGale appreciates Medina is a live opponent, telling Niall Hickman of Premier Boxing Champions: "You can say he has lost a few times, but he has also knocked out 30 opponents in a professional ring, so he is no mug."
Prediction
The battle between Chunky and Porky pits a skilled boxer against a heavy-handed hitter.
DeGale—the first Brit to win an Olympic gold medal and a pro world title—knows what is on the line. He cannot afford a defeat at a stage in his career when he wants to be adding titles, not losing them.
At times in the second half of his bout against Bute, the champion opted to stand and trade. Such a move would be a mistake with Medina, as it would offer DeGale's opponent a chance to cause an upset.
Instead, expect DeGale to show off his superior skills and systematically break down his rival. He will prevail by stoppage after the midway point of the 12-rounder.
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