Just in case you missed it last night, boxing witnessed the shock of 2017 at the Copperbox in London as Caleb Truax stunned James DeGale to win the IBF super-middleweight title.
Coming into the fight as a 20/1 outsider, Truax upset all the odds to claim victory over DeGale – who had been rated at 1/200 before the opening bell.
Truax took the bout on a majority decision after one judge scored it a 114-114 draw, but the final two handed in cards reading 115-112 and 116-112 in favour of the unheralded American as he took the world crown off a clearly bewildered DeGale.
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What a shock at the Copperbox. Caleb Truax is the new IBF super-middleweight Champion. #FightNightLive pic.twitter.com/SYMFCrOfey— eir Sport (@eirSport) December 9, 2017
Of course, social media had a field day with the result and DeGale’s former rivals George Groves and Carl Froch wasted no time getting in on the act.
Groves handed DeGale his first defeat as a professional back in 2011 and responded to the Olympic gold medallist’s second loss by telling him to “call it a day”, before rebranding a tweet DeGale had sent him in the aftermath of Groves’ loss to Badou Jack.
Call it a day mate, you ain't got it no more.
— George Groves (@StGeorgeGroves) December 9, 2017
Just because… pic.twitter.com/gBiHm00m4S
— George Groves (@StGeorgeGroves) December 10, 2017
Meanwhile, even though Carl Froch and DeGale never got it on in the ring, the two were never shy of trading verbal jibes outside of it and the former four-time super-middleweight world champion took to Twitter to accuse DeGale of not living “the life of a fighter” last night.
Live the life of a fighter or you will get found out…. https://t.co/JlgQT6tWlU
— Carl Froch MBE (@Carl_Froch) December 9, 2017
DeGale for his part was clearly devastated with the embarrassing defeat, feeling that he’d probably returned to the ring “too soon” after a shoulder surgery.
“Maybe, if I’m honest, I probably rushed back” – A shocked James DeGale spoke after he lost his IBF super-middleweight title. #FightNightLive #DeGaleTruax pic.twitter.com/mP2GiiBMLK
— eir Sport (@eirSport) December 9, 2017
After taking stock last night, DeGale released a statement this morning promising to “reflect” on his future within the sport.
Devastated with my performance last night. Feel like Ive let everyone down – myself, my family, friends and fans. I dont want 2 be in any other position than No1 so going to take some time out 2 reflect and make some decisions goin forward.Thank u all for your love & support ??
— James DeGale (@jamesdegale1) December 10, 2017
Whatever he decides to do, you can be sure Groves and Froch will be waiting beside their phones to respond.
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