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James DeGale will likely hear criticism of a performance that became routine by the middle rounds, but he took a wide decision over veteran banger Fulgencio Zuniga today in Hull, winning on scores of 118-109, 118-109, and 118-109.
DeGale (14-1, 9 KO) scored a third round knockdown and had a first start in the bout, but he cooled off and largely cruised down the stretch en route to the victory. But don't lay it all on DeGale, either. Zuniga (25-7-1, 22 KO) is a tough cookie, and has been around the block several times over at this point. He hung in there and had moments along the way, but DeGale was definitely in control throughout, and faced no real danger in the bout.
DeGale is scheduled to return on January 26, defending the European super middleweight title against Mouhamed Ali Ndiaye (22-1, 13 KO).
Undercard
Chris Eubank Jr fought on a week's turnaround (he won last Saturday over Bradley Pryce) and got an early stoppage win over Oleg Fedotovs in the second round. Referee Terry O'Connor called the hook really early, displeasing Fedotovs, who responded by flexing his mucles and Eubank Jr, who in turn stared at him. After the referee separated that, Fedotovs initially refused to let O'Connor hold his wrist for the official announcement, then relented. Some protest.