IT was all smiles as James DeGale and promoter Frank Warren were reunited. DeGale, an Olympic gold medallist in 2008, turned professional with Warren before parting ways. They have joined forces once again as DeGale, the IBF super-middleweight champion, and IBF featherweight world champion Lee Selby headline Warren’s December 9 bill at the Copperbox in London.

“Frank’s back,” DeGale grinned.

“I’ve been craving a homecoming. I perform best at home. I want to come home. I’ve done the America thing,” he continued. “I can’t wait to box on the 9th.”

DeGale has had to overcome injuries this year. “There’s so much more to come,” James said. “Back to two arms, I’m punching hard. You’ll see.”

The opponents for DeGale and Selby for this upcoming bill are still to be confirmed.

After Selby’s bout on December 9, Warren expects him to box Josh Warrington for the world title. “His next fight will be a mandatory against Josh Warrington,” “They’re the fights [fans] want to see and we want to deliver them.”

Selby said, “I can clear up his obsession with me once and for all.”

The Welshman expects to fight Warrington and then Carl Frampton in 2018.

James DeGale

Heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois and rising light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde are also on the card.