James DeGale delays mandatory, still recuperating from draw with Badou Jack

Jose Uzcategui, who has been James DeGale’s mandatory challenger for well over a year, will have to wait a little while longer. The IBF champion has received a medical exemption due to injuries sustained in his January unification match with Badou Jack, delaying Uzcategui’s challenge once again.

Considering “Chunky’s” face after that fight, this is not terribly surprising.

DeGale’s (23-1-1, 14 KO) four-fight title reign has consisted entirely of competitive fights; both Andre Dirrell, whom he won the title against, and the aforementioned Jack fought back from early knockdowns to make it close, while Lucian Bute and Rogelio Medina acquitted themselves well in defeat. While Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KO) is a technically limited puncher, DeGale has shown enough vulnerability to make it a very interesting matchup.

Besides Uzcategui, DeGale had previously floated the notion of facing rival George Groves or Callum Smith, who is currently on track to face Anthony Dirrell for Jack’s now-vacant WBC title.

With Jack’s exit, DeGale tenuously holds the title of world’s top super middleweight. Think Uzcategui has a chance to knock him off?