Advertisement

James DeGale stunned by Caleb Truax as Brit loses IBF super-middleweight belt on points

Points decision: DeGale suffered only the second defeat of his career: Getty Images
Points decision: DeGale suffered only the second defeat of his career: Getty Images

James DeGale has lost his IBF super-middleweight belt after he was surprisingly beaten by American Caleb Truax on a majority decision.

De Gale, 31, was making the fourth defence of his title - and his first fight on home soil in more than three years - but the home crowd were left disappointed following a bruising defeat for the former Olympic champion.

One judge scored the fight as a draw at 114-114, but further scores of 115-112 and 116-112 in favour of the challenger condemned DeGale to only the second defeat of his career with Truax crowned as the new champion.

DeGale, who underwent surgery on his right shoulder following his controversial draw with Badou Jack in January, will have been pleased with his first round back in action for nearly a year after he shaded the opener.

But Truax proved he would be no pushover with the following exchanges being edged by the challenger.

The bout then dramatically came alive in the fifth round after Truax unleashed a number of fierce shots against DeGale.

The British fighter was in trouble, up against the ropes and with blood pouring from his nose, but somehow survived and was urging the 34-year-old American to unleash further fury.

DeGale rallied in the closing stages but he headed back to his corner bloodied and in deep trouble.