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DeGale retains title as Belfast's Jamie Conlan takes Commonwealth crown with superb win

The 29-year-old Conlan is the older brother of Ireland’s Olympic bronze medallist, Michael.

JAMES DEGALE BEAT Rogelio Medina by unanimous decision in Washington last night to keep hold of his IBF super-middleweight title and is desperately seeking Badou Jack as his next opponent.

The 30-year-old former Olympic champion was left a little disappointed at having to go the distance, especially as he’d earlier predicted a knockout win.

“I should be taking out people like Medina, that’s no disrespect to him”. he said afterwards.

“But I’m still learning. The main thing is I am still champ. It’s a learning curve. I’ve got to work on things still. But I’m disappointed I didn’t stop him.”

Degale was well in control and there was little doubt in the judges’ minds after twelve rounds.

One scored it 115-113 while the other two had Degale winning 117-111.

He’s set his sights on Badou Jack next.

The Swede defended his WBC title later in DC after a majority draw with Lucian Bute and talked up a unification bout with DeGale immediately afterwards.

“He’s a great fighter, he deserves a lot of credit. He’s a great guy and a great champion but I want to fight him.”

DeGale and Jack shared the ring later on Saturday night with DeGale and played up to the cameras.

DeGale asked his rival – “Where are we doing it? Vegas? London? It’s up to you.”

“Wherever the money is”, Jack replied.

Copper Box Arena Boxing Adam Davy / PA Wire/Press Association Images Adam Davy / PA Wire/Press Association Images / PA Wire/Press Association Images

Elsewhere, Belfast’s Jamie Conlan is the new Commonwealth super-flyweight champion.

The 29-year-old, who is the older brother of Ireland’s Olympic bronze medallist, Michael, beat the holder Anthony Nelson with an eighth-round knockout.

In what was a remarkable recovery, Conlan had been put down twice already and looked in serious trouble in the seventh after a massive right hand from Nelson.

Conlan managed to hold out for another minute, got back to his corner and regrouped.

With less than thirty seconds gone in the eighth, Conlan conjured a big left hook, dropping Nelson to the canvas.

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