TWO-TIME IBF super-middleweight world champion James DeGale is returning to combat sports almost seven years after retiring.
This time around he’s taking on a new challenge — bare knuckle boxing. Here we get to know the fighter nicknamed ‘Chunky’, his wife Grace and their family.
James Degale is married to Grace[/caption]
James DeGale is an Olympic gold medallist[/caption]
Who is James DeGale?
James DeGale is a British former professional boxer who competed from 2009 to 2019.
Born on February 3, 1986, in Hammersmith, London, he started boxing aged just 10.
He developed his skills at local boxing clubs and acquired the nickname “Chunky”, which has stuck with him throughout his career.
Before turning professional, DeGale had a distinguished amateur career, culminating with Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Known for his slick boxing style and versatility, DeGale is a switch-hitter — meaning he can fight orthodox and southpaw.
His first world championship came in 2015 when he defeated Andre Dirrell in Boston for the vacant IBF super-middleweight title.
This achievement made him the first British boxer in the history of the sport to win both Olympic gold and a professional world title.
He successfully defended this title against fierce opponents including Lucian Bute and Rogelio Medina.
After losing the IBF belt to Caleb Truax in 2017, he successfully regained it in a rematch the following year, before ultimately vacating the title later in 2018.
DeGale’s career also included high-profile fights against top British rivals such as George Groves.
He shared a fierce rivalry with Groves, who also hails from Hammersmith, which culminated in a close fight, with Groves winning by majority decision.
Despite some setbacks, including his loss to Chris Eubank Jr in 2019, DeGale maintained a solid professional record of 25 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw, with a knockout ratio of roughly 60 per cent.
He retired from professional boxing later in 2019.
DeGale took to social media to write: “Today marks 10 years since my professional debut fight on February 28, 2009 and today is the day I am announcing my retirement from boxing.
Everyone asking what version you’re getting… 7 years out, body healed, mind sharp — it’s the best one yet
James DeGale
“It’s been an unbelievable journey and I’ve had an amazing decade — if I’m honest, the best years of my life.”
Who is James DeGale’s wife Grace?
James DeGale is married to Grace, who works as a model.
The couple share a baby named Iris.
However, they prefer to maintain a private family life away from the public eye — aside from the odd social media post here and there.
Poster for upcoming bare knuckle boxing event[/caption]
When is James DeGale fighting next?
DeGale will make his fighting debut in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) on September 27, 2025, at the AO Arena, Manchester.
He is set to face Australian Matt Floyd, who boasts pro boxing record of 15-2-0.
While bare-knuckle boxing requires a different skill set and presents a more brutal style of combat, DeGale’s fighting pedigree should stand him in good stead.
DeGale announced his comeback with a confident message on social media reading: “UK I’m back. This time the gloves are off.
“Everyone asking what version you’re getting… 7 years out, body healed, mind sharp — it’s the best one yet.
“Demolition pending. See you in the circle @bareknucklefc.”
