Carl Froch has suggested that there is not much to gain for IBF super-middleweight champion James DeGale in his clash with Lucien Bute on Saturday night.
DeGale is making the first defence of the world title he won against Andre Dirrell in May, but while former 168lbs title holder Froch is predicting a win for the British fighter, he does not see the positives in facing an opponent whom he beat in 2012.
The 38-year-old told Sky Sports News: "This could well be a no-win situation for DeGale. Is Bute shot? Not just after I beat him, but Jean Pascal beat him as well and moving up to light-heavyweight, then back down, isn't good.
"The one thing DeGale can't afford to do is perform the way he did against Andre Dirrell. The way he eased off was not what you want to be doing out there in Canada, that's for sure.
"They do say punch power is the last thing that goes, so maybe Bute will give it one last go. DeGale should win and should win well, but I am not sure about the second point."
DeGale has won 21 of his 22 bouts as a professional, while Bute has suffered two defeats in 34 outings.
Darren Plant
