Parkinson Vereniging

James DeGale wants to stay on home soil in 2018 and prove he is one of Britain's, not just London's, biggest boxing stars.

The IBF super-middleweight world champion fights on home soil for the first time in two-and-a-half years sbobetmember when he defends against Caleb Truax at the Copper Box, on December 9.

DeGale is looking for three big fights next year and while adviser Al Hayman is already planning a unification fight with the current WBC holder, Arizona's David Benavidez, he would like to re-establish his standing in British boxing first.



DeGale drew with Badou Jack in New York in January
"It's been a while and my last four fights have been in America and Canada, so I'm really looking forward to this fight," DeGale exclusively told Sky Sports.

"Let's be honest sbobetmember, it is my homecoming. The last couple of years with me have been exciting and people have wanted me to come home and I am, so of course it will sell out.

"Obviously Anthony Joshua is a one-off - he's a bit like Ricky Hatton was when it comes to his following, and winning the Olympics obviously helped and he comes across well, of course. But apart from AJ, I would say I am second (in London). But I still have to be in big fights to draw everybody in.



Joshua is a 'one-off' when it comes to his popularity, says DeGale
"The plan is to have three fights next year and the plan is to box in London. I am a Londoner, I am proud to be one and I love my city, so this is where I want to stay.

"If there is an opportunity where I have to go to fight in America - which is where everything seems to work out that way - it's not a problem. But ideally, I'd like to stay in London and defend my world titles."

DeGale has already declared his support for rival George Groves in his World Boxing Super Series fight with Chris Eubank Jr, to set up a rematch in 2018.