“History Man” DeGale to call time after Eubank Jr defeat

James DeGale is considering retirement from the ring after losing a make-or-break super middleweight showdown with Chris Eubank Jr.

DeGale was floored twice during a unanimous points defeat to British rival Eubank Jr at The 02 in London over the weekend.

The 33-year-old former two-time world champion, who said in the build-up to Saturday’s grudge match that he would hang up his gloves if he lost, was dropped by hooks in the second and tenth rounds.

“I’m going to go back talk to my team and family but I’ve been to the heights of boxing,” said a battered and bruised DeGale after losing a 114-112, 115-112, 117-109 verdict. 

“I’ve won an Olympic gold medal, won the world title twice, made history and I’ve boxed the best around the world.

“I’ve left my mark in boxing – I’m the history man.”

Former WBC silver belt holder DeGale, the first British boxer to win both Olympic gold and a world title, defeated Andre Dirrell to become world champion in 2015.

“Chunky” was held to a draw in a unification clash with WBC king Badou Jack in 2017 before losing and regaining his 168-lb title in back-to-back fights with Caleb Truax.

He vacated the belt last summer to pursue “massive fights” but now looks certain to call time on his career after suffering his third defeat in 29 fights.