DeGale wins to secure world title shot

James DeGale secured a world title shot with a fourth-round stoppage of the previously unbeaten Brandon Gonzales in an IBF final eliminator at Wembley.

The Harlesden super-middleweight, chief support to the showdown between IBF and WBA champion Carl Froch and George Groves, imposed himself from the first bell.

He landed with a crunching left in the opening seconds and again later in a one-sided first round.

Gonzales fared better in the second but the American continued to take shots in the third – and the end came in the following round.

DeGale floored him after a lovely combination which culminated in another big left, and although Gonzeles got to his feet and carried on, the fight was stopped as he was absorbing more punishment.

Froch, who knocked out Groves, must face DeGale within 120 days or relinquish the IBF belt.

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