Dirrell vs DeGale

Highlights

• - DeGale knocked down Dirrell down for only the second time of his career in Round 2 with a massive left hand. He knocked Dirrell down again later in the same round.

• - After a slow start, Dirrell rallied in second half of the fight, winning rounds with precision punching and by pressing the action more forcefully.

• - DeGale closed the fight strongly, outworking Dirrell in final two rounds to secure unanimous decision victory.

James DeGale became the first British Olympic gold medalist to win a world championship as he outpointed Andre Dirrell for a unanimous decision victory.

DeGale took control of the fight early, scoring a pair of knockdowns in Round 2 via thundering overhand lefts.

DeGale knocked down Dirrell down for only the second time of his career with a massive left hand in the second round. He knocked Dirrell down again later in the same round.

Dirrell got back into the fight during the middle rounds, however, rallying by throwing more than DeGale, who began to focus more on his lateral movement and counterpunching.

But DeGale ended the fight in strong fashion, picking up the pace and out-landing Dirrell en route to a history-making victory. 

James DeGale celebrates victory after defeating Andre Dirrell in Boston. (Suzanne Teresa / Premier Boxing Champions)

"I have made history; I am the first British Olympic Gold medalist to become a world champion."