Negotiations begin for James DeGale vs. Lucian Bute on November 14th in Quebec

Newly-minted IBF Light Heavyweight Champion James DeGale's first title defense is in the works.

According to BoxingScene, talks are in place to pit DeGale against former beltholder Lucian Bute this November, with the Videotron Center as the targeted location.

The fight will be part of the PBC series, though a network has not been named.

"Chunky" DeGale (21-1, 14 KO), a 2008 gold medalist in Beijing, earned the biggest win of his career over fellow Olympian Andre Dirrell this past May. The Englishman looked at times terrific and at times perplexingly passive, ultimately taking a unanimous decision thanks to two knockdowns in the second round. He's now won eleven straight since a majority decision loss to George Groves.

Bute (32-2, 25 KO) returned from a nineteen-month layoff last month with a TKO win over Andrea Di Luisa on NBC. Frankly speaking, it was the first time Bute had looked good in a fight since 2011, having been biffed into oblivion by Carl Froch and handily beaten by Jean Pascal in two of his last three fights.

Though it was against a ludicrously overmatched opponent, Bute did seem to showcase the confidence he needs to be one of the division's most capable boxer-punchers, and DeGale's willingness to give away rounds could turn this into an interesting fight. At the same time, the Canadian's vulnerabilities have been laid out for the world to see and DeGale ostensibly has the power to cow him.

Does the Canadian have a chance here, or is Darth Haymon cashing out on him?