British super-middleweight James DeGale has insisted that being prepared to travel to Canada to face Lucian Bute proves his worth as a world champion.
After claiming the IBF belt against Andre Dirrell in the United States in May, DeGale had been tipped for a homecoming during the winter, but he has instead opted to go toe to toe with Bute in his adopted hometown.
However, DeGale has predicted that he will make light work of the challenger, who previously held the same world title before losing it to Carl Froch in 2012.
The 29-year-old told Sky Sports News: "You can see what kind of man I am; I'm going to Canada to give Lucian Bute a chance to box for my world title.
"The way I'm feeling, I'm in top shape, it's going to be hard to beat me. My journey is just starting, his is coming to an end.
"I want the big fights, I want to unify titles. First I have to beat Bute and he wants his old belt back. [But] I'm too young, too fresh, and too good. Much too good."
The bout in Quebec will take place on November 28.
Darren Plant
