James DeGale Vacates IBF Super Middleweight Title

James DeGale has vacated his IBF super middleweight world title.

The British star announced on Twitter he is vacating the belt as he is looking for the biggest fights in what he believes is the end of his career.

“Today I have relinquished my IBF world title as I look to secure big fights in the final chapter of my career. I’ve achieved so much in my career, Olympic Gold, British and European titles and becoming a two-time World Champion! This is the final phase of my career where I want to be in the biggest fights possible. My team have been working very hard behind the scenes and we’ve got some exciting news to announce soon!”

DeGale won the IBF title since beating Andre Dirrell in 2015 to win the title previously vacated by Carl Froch after retiring from the sport when he retained his title against Groves in 2014. After two successful title defenses, DeGale traveled to the United States to fight then-WBC champion Badou Jack at the start of 2017. The fight ended in a draw and it left DeGale with multiple injuries that saw him be out of action for most of the year.

Instead of taking the year off, DeGale took a fight against Caleb Truax last December, but DeGale lost his title to Truax in one of the biggest upsets of 2017. DeGale would then regain his title with a unanimous decision win over Truax in their rematch this past April.

DeGale was previously ordered by the IBF to fight interim champion Jose Uzcategui. The interim title was created last year as DeGale was recovering from his injuries. Uzcategui’s 2017 bout against Andre Dirrell ended in controversy when Dirrell was knocked out after the eighth round bell had sounded. In the rematch, earlier this year, Uzcategui defeated Dirrell inside eight rounds to win the interim title.