British super-middleweight James DeGale has admitted he needs to go back to basics after he was left stunned by losing his IBF title to American Caleb Truax on Saturday night.
The Londoner was back in action after a long break due to injury but he looked rusty as his rival worked hard for 12 rounds to get the win.
He was as short as 1/100 with some bookmakers before the fight but he failed to land clean early on and that gave Truax some confidence.
DeGale was rocked in the fifth as he was caught my multiple shots but he battled on and managed to survive until the end of the round.
Although he finished the fight, the Olympic Gold medallist looked a shadow of his former self.
Truax eventually won the title via scorecards of 114-114 115-112 116-112 on the night and DeGale conceded he may have rushed back after shoulder surgery in July.
Speaking after his defeat, DeGale admits he may need to make changes for his future camps.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “There’s something missing in the ring. I honestly did [think I’d won], I’ve got to go back to the drawing board.
“My nose is blocked again, I’ve got to sort it out. The shoulder – I had serious reconstruction – there’s no pain but I’ll have to go back, have a look and see.
I’ve probably rushed back to be honest, maybe I should have waited till next year.
“I’m going to speak to Al Haymon [his boxing advisor] later, maybe I can get a rematch.”
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