Opponent Claims James DeGale Had Six Sparring KOs Before Bare-Knuckle Win

Matt Floyd claims James DeGale knocked out six sparring partners before their bare-knuckle clash, offering a different perspective on the former world champion’s winning debut.

DeGale beat Floyd by unanimous decision in a chaotic BKFC fight last September, but Floyd says the performance did not reflect the level his opponent had reached in camp before the bout.

Six Sparring Knockouts

“I respect James DeGale as a boxer. He’s one of the greatest boxers England has produced — an Olympic gold medalist and a world champion,” Floyd said.

“Kedu Uchegbu, who managed our fight, told me afterwards that DeGale had knocked out six sparring partners in camp and looked the best he ever had going into our fight.”

Floyd’s account suggests DeGale came in at his best, even if the performance didn’t show it on the night.

Floyd’s View of the Fight

DeGale ultimately secured a unanimous decision in a brutal and often ill-tempered BKFC clash, one shaped by point deductions, fouls, and constant hostility between the two.

The Londoner was dropped during the fight, while Floyd was penalized multiple times as the bout threatened to spill beyond the rules. Even so, DeGale did enough on the scorecards to get his hand raised on his debut.

Floyd insists that was more to do with his own style than any lack of sharpness from DeGale.

“But because of how awkward I am and the fighting style I pride myself in, I make the best fighters look average. Not because they are, but because of what I bring into the ring,” he explained.

“James DeGale wasn’t average that night. I just made it look that way.”

Floyd doubled down on that view as he reflected on the performance.

“And I will keep making the best fighters in the world look average. I make the best fighters in the world not want to be in there with me.”

Ambition Remains

The Australian’s confidence has carried beyond the DeGale fight. Floyd recently posted an image claiming he offered identical terms to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Billy Joe Saunders, and Tommy Fury as he continues to pursue high-profile opponents.

He previously told World Boxing News that a fight with Fury was agreed for March, although that bout has yet to materialize.

Floyd also chased a showdown with Saunders in unusual fashion, even traveling to a UK pub for a proposed car park clash that never happened.

Where Chavez Jr. entered the equation remains unclear, but Floyd’s willingness to target established names is evident despite the DeGale loss.

Confidence Unchanged

The Australian also made clear that the result has not changed how he sees his own level.

“I don’t just make it uncomfortable — I will also beat anyone they put in front of me like I beat James DeGale, and I will keep making it look easy like I did with Chunky.”

It points to DeGale being in far better condition than the fight itself suggested, despite getting the win.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.