As BoxingScene.com recently reported, former IBF super middleweight world champion James DeGale (25-2-1, 15 KOs) is heading in the direction of a year-end showdown with domestic rival Chris Eubank Jr. (27-2, 21 KOs).

Eubank suffered the second defeat of his career earlier this year, when he lost a twelve round decision to then WBA champion George Groves. He bounced back with a stoppage of JJ McDonagh last month.

DeGale reclaimed his IBF belt with a win over Caleb Truax in their rematch earlier this year - and then vacated the belt and stopped Fidel Monterrosa Munoz last month in California.

DeGale believes the Eubank clash will create fireworks in the ring.

Eubank, who previously held the IBO's version of the 168-pound belt, has long claimed that he busted up DeGale in a sparring session, which DeGale disputes.

The fight has been a long time coming, with Eubank pushing for the contest for several years.

“Domestically, it’s a massive fight. I believe that our styles will gel, and with a lot on the line, it will make a great fight,” said DeGale said to Premier Boxing Champions.

“Eubank relies on his engine and his work rate to get him through, but he struggles every time he steps up in competition. He’s been calling me out since he was an amateur, so I will finally be getting a chance to use my skills and experience to outclass him and to shut him up.”

DeGale explained that he vacated the IBF’s title for bigger fights, because there wasn't enough money for a bout with mandatory challenger Jose Uzecategui, who ultimately walked away with the full belt.

“To be brutally honest, (Uzecategui) was a high risk fight for lower reward,” said DeGale of Uzecategui.

“The purse (for Uzecategui) would have been significantly lower than I had been earning. I defended the title three times and there are better options available with bigger reward. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to box for another world title shot in the near future.”