WHEN HE FIGHTS for the IBF super-middleweight world title next week, James DeGale will have more than just the opportunity to become the first British fighter to win Olympic gold and become a professional world champion driving him on.

In addition, the 29-year old has revealed he is hoping to win the crown for his old friend Darren Sutherland.

The Irish boxer, who DeGale beat on his way to gold in Beijing in 2008, was found hanged in his home in London in 2009 and his former foe has revealed Sutherland has been with him in the ring in spirit ever since.

DeGale in action with Sutherland's initials on his shorts. Gareth Fuller / PA Archive/Press Association Images Gareth Fuller / PA Archive/Press Association Images / PA Archive/Press Association Images

He told the UK’s Daily Star:

“It was so sad to hear about [Sutherland's death]. To put his initials on my shorts was just a bit of respect for him and his family who must have found it so hard.

“We were rivals as amateurs but we had a lot of respect for each other. When I’m going to be world champion, he is going to be world champion.

“We are going to lift this together. Maybe it is just his initials on my shorts but we will do it together.”

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