Lucian Bute has another world title shot coming on November 28, when the Romanian-Canadian will host IBF titleholder James DeGale in Quebec City, and he tells Kugan Cassius of iFilm London that he's ready to get back to the top of the super middleweight division.
"I had some changes in my team. I have a new trainer, I have a new spirit, a good atmosphere in the gym," Bute said. "Most importantly I feel healthy. The training is going very well. I feel good. I'm sure we'll be ready for November 28."
Bute (32-2, 25 KO) returned from an 19-month layoff on August 15, knocking out Andrea Di Luisa in Montreal. That fight, which lasted less than four rounds, was sort of a water-tester to see where Bute was at, and now the 35-year-old southpaw feels confident that he's back in top shape and has what it takes to beat DeGale (21-1, 14 KO), who defeated Andre Dirrell to win the vacant IBF belt in May.
As for how he finishes, Bute believes he can stop DeGale, but is focused purely on the win.
"It won't be easy, but I think I have the power to knock him out," he said. "It's more important for me to win this fight. How, I don't care. Just to win the fight and become champion."