James DeGale v Caleb Truax, Lee Selby v Eduardo Ramirez Fight Preview

Super middleweight champion back after nearly 12 months

James DeGale laces the gloves back up after almost a year’s absence as he takes on Caleb Truax at the Copper Box Arena in London.

DeGale puts his super middleweight strap on the line against the 34-year-old American.

Lee Selby also returns to the squared circle on the undercard for the first time since July. The Welshman defends his IBF featherweight title against Eduardo Ramirez.

The Coral News Team take a closer look at both bouts.

DeGale v Truax

This is the beginning of what could be a defining year in James DeGale’s career.

Widely regarded as one of the top super middleweights in the world, the Londoner could find himself in two huge bouts in 2018.

The Hammersmith boy is eyeing up a potential bout with David Benavidez in Spring. And then a huge rematch with WBA champion George Groves later in the year.

Of course, DeGale’s only professional career loss was to Groves back in 2011. Groves won by decision that night and there has been a huge appetite for a rematch ever since.

First of all, though, DeGale must get past Truax on Saturday night. This will be seen as a tune-up fight by the Briton’s camp having only just returned from a shoulder injury.

Truax is reasonably durable, but his best days are likely well behind him now. The Minnesota native was stopped in the first round against Anthony Dirrell in April 2016.

This will be a question of when, not if, for DeGale. The southpaw will likely take his time settling back into a rhythm.

It’s 8/13 DeGale wins by KO/TKO. But DeGale to win in Rounds 7-12 looks value at 2/1.

Selby v Ramirez

Along with DeGale, Lee Selby is regarded as one of Britain’s best boxing talents.

However, the IBF featherweight strap-holder has had a year to forget in 2017. It’s been a bit of a damp squib in terms of box office bouts for the Welshman.

The Barry native will have one eye on a potential super fight with Belfast’s Carl Frampton in 2018.

But first, he must concentrate on defending his title against Eduardo Ramirez. The Mexican isn’t exactly a world star but he will be a dangerous opponent regardless.

The Mexican southpaw bagged a decent draw against Cuba’s Leduan Barthelemy back in September.

Even if they’re not top quality, Mexicans are renowned for their durability. Selby will need to avoid complacency in order to get the win.

That’s clearly reflected in the odds where Selby to win by decision is 4/7, with the KO/TKO at 6/4.

If there is a late stoppage, Selby to win in Rounds 7-12 could be worth a bet at 11/4.

Find out all you need to know about how to bet on boxing in our news.coral’s boxing guide

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing