‘Chunky’ returns to winning ways

Former British super-middleweight champion James DeGale is the new European title holder after riding a storm from Poland’s Piotr Wilczewski and coming through on points at Liverpool’s Echo Arena.

DeGale, 25, started well and looked comfortable in the first two rounds before allowing Wilczewski to find his rhythm and got caught in the fourth round, looking out on his feet for a short spell.

The Londoner dug his heels in though and fought fire with fire against the champion, using his fast hands inside to pick up the important rounds.

Wilczewski came on strong in the final two rounds but DeGale showed his resilience to hold on and was given a majority decision on the judges cards 114-114, 115-113, 115-113.

I had a bit wider than that 117-11 but the result was the correct one and DeGale was bullish in the after fight interview.

“I’m back on top, hopefully some doors will now open,” said DeGale.

“I got caught in the fourth and lost my balance and I couldn’t hear nothing after that. I got through it though, dup deep in the eleventh and twelfth and came through it.

“I want to defend this belt a couple of times now and seriously, I want to box for a world title before the Olympics.

“Losing to George Groves was a blessing in disguise,” he added.

DeGale’s promoter Frank Warren then spoke about a possible rematch with the current British and Commonwealth champion who inflicted DeGale's only defeat last May.

“It would be a great fight for the British, Commonwealth and European titles,” stated Warren.

“Who knows next year we might get it together. But he has got a tough fight with Paul Smith first.”

View my full scorecard here: http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2011/10/live-wbn-scorecard-piotr-wilczewski-v.html