Former world champion James DeGale will return from retirement to fight Marcus Portman in Wolverhampton on September 26.
The contest forms part of ShowFighter's Reign Boxing series, marking DeGale's first appearance in the ring in over seven years since his defeat against Chris Eubank Jnr.
DeGale stated that severe injuries hampered his performance during that loss to Eubank, which led to his initial departure from professional boxing.
The 40-year-old Londoner enjoyed a distinguished career in the super-middleweight division, becoming a two-time world champion and winning an Olympic gold medal for Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Groves rivalry and Ringside clash
Ahead of his comeback, DeGale admitted that television footage of his heated dispute with fellow Londoner George Groves still makes him cringe.
The two fighters engaged in a memorable exchange on the Sky Sports show Ringside before settling their feud in a 2011 grudge fight at The O2 Arena in London, where Groves won by split decision.
Reflecting on his demeanor during that television appearance, DeGale described the clip as a classic moment in his career journey.
"It's a classic. I cringe when I watch that, but it's a classic," DeGale said in an interview with Dev Sahni. "That's me at the age of 25. Brash, cocky, wearing Dolce and Gabbana. It's raw, thinking I was the man, but that's just a part of my journey."
Addressing the 2011 fight outcome, DeGale acknowledged how tightly contested the battle was between the two rivals.
"That Groves one was close. I can't argue. A lot of people thought I won. A lot of people thought he won," DeGale said, while adding that his bout against Eubank was "just a mess."
World titles and international wins
DeGale expressed concern that British boxing fans remember him primarily for his domestic defeats against Groves and Eubank rather than his achievements abroad.
He insisted that his professional record includes higher quality victories than those achieved by his domestic rivals during their respective careers.
DeGale won the International Boxing Federation super-middleweight title by defeating Andre Dirrell in Boston in 2015, before successfully defending the belt against Lucian Bute in Quebec.
He also fought to a thrilling draw with Badou Jack in a title unification contest in New York, alongside earlier victories over Marco Antonio Periban, Rogelio Medina Luna, and Brandon Gonzalez.
Highlighting the caliber of his past opponents, DeGale noted that Dirrell was an Olympic bronze medallist who beat Carl Froch without receiving the decision in a close contest.
DeGale argued that Dirrell would have defeated both Groves and Eubank, while also pointing out that Bute had completed 13 title defences before their championship bout.
Fury and Joshua heavyweight saga
Turning his attention to current events in British boxing, DeGale urged heavyweights Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to agree terms for a farewell contest in December.
Organisers are considering Wembley Stadium in London and The Principality Stadium in Cardiff as potential host venues for the prospective fight.
DeGale criticized the ongoing delays surrounding negotiations between the two heavyweight champions, attributing the standstill to internal politics and personal egos.
"It's egos, boxing politics. I'm not too sure, it's a bit of a mess," DeGale said of the negotiation saga.
He encouraged both fighters to stage the event in England as a final celebration before retiring from the sport with substantial purses.
"You would think it would be in England, a nice farewell for AJ and Fury," DeGale added. "It looks like they are coming to the end now. Get a £100m each and then run, say 'thank you, you've been brilliant, and then later.'"
