By Steve Brenner, courtesy of The Daily Star

JAMES DEGALE has laughed off Andre Dirrell's petty jibes, insisting his opponent doesn't have the heart to be a world champ.

The Londoner was on the end of more digs from the American's camp during this week's media workout, with Dirrell's loudmouth brother Willie shamelessly taunting the 2008 Olympic gold medalist.

Promoter Eddie Hearn was also in the firing line while DeGale has been copping flak on social media too.

But DeGale, 29, is letting nothing distract him from the task of becoming the first Brit to win a gold medal and become a world champ.

He said: "It's always the ones who aren't fighting who have always got the mouth.

"I have never heard of his brother but he always makes comments about my Instagram pictures.

"He always writes stuff like, 'You're going down man'. Blah, blah, blah.

"They think they are going to get into my head but they are stupid and pathetic.

"They must be scared. You don't do that kind of thing when you're confident.

"I am just not sure if Dirrell really has the heart for it. He has some wicked boxing skills. They are crazy, but you need heart to pull through.

"This kind of stuff won't get me wound up. Mentally and physically I am ready.

"The weight of expectation and the prospect of making history just drives me on. I want to make everyone proud."

Should DeGale complete the mission and be crowned IBF super-middleweight champ he will parade his belt at half-time during the FA Cup final between his beloved Arsenal and Aston Villa next weekend.

And DeGale already has Arsene Wenger in his corner after the Arsenal boss wrote to him urging him to create history.