JAMES DEGALE is the mandatory challenger for Carl Froch’s IBF super-middleweight title. But while the champion is pondering his next move, DeGale will risk his position and take a fight against Marco Antonio Periban on the November 22 show at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

“This is like a second final eliminator really because if I don’t beat him I won’t box for a world title,” DeGale declared. “He’s not a typical Mexican because he can box as well, he can box on the backfoot.”

If DeGale wins and Froch elects to defend against him, that clash would take place on January 31 at the O2 in London. So far Froch has exhibited little interest in the DeGale fight. “Personally I believe that fight’s going to happen,” said their promoter Eddie Hearn. “We know that Carl has never been a fan of vacating titles.”

For an exclusive interview with James DeGale don’t miss next week’s issue of Boxing News