DeGale doesn't feel the pressure

Olympic gold medallist James DeGale is relishing his return to the role of underdog for the first time since his unexpected glory in Beijing two years ago.

The Londoner emerged from a talented group of amateurs to triumph unexpectedly in China at the 2008 Games, becoming a household name in the process. Since turning professional, he has put together a run of eight wins heading into Saturday's challenge for Paul Smith's British super-middleweight title.

"Winning on Saturday will give me a world ranking. There's no pressure on me at all, he (Smith) is the one under pressure," said DeGale.

"For the first time as a professional I've got no pressure. He's got the world ranking, he's boxing in his home town. I'm just a cocky little prospect coming through.

"The last time I had no pressure was in Beijing, when I proved people wrong and won a gold medal."

The fight is seen as a close one by pundits and while some do favour the inexperienced DeGale, there are also those who think it will be too much too soon for the Londoner.

"Some of these guys really think he's going to beat me," he admitted.

"In my mind it is not a 50-50 fight but to the general public it is, they're asking 'can James DeGale do this when he's only had eight fights?'

"That's what I enjoy and I'm just going to be laughing at him after I've knocked him out.

"This puts me on target for where I want to be. I wanted to be fast-tracked because I know how good I am and where I'm going, and after I've won this I want to be fast-tracked even more. Ugly kid (rival George Groves) is getting it next but apart from that, give me 18 months and I'll be boxing for a world title after this."