Classy DeGale launches GB campaign by Ian McNeilly Aug 9th 2008

James DeGale got Team GB off to a flying start at the 2008 Olympic Games with a classy 13-4 win over Egypt's Mohamed Hikal in the 75kg round of 32. The 22-year-old from Hammersmith ended the first round 3-2 down but after that it was pretty much one-way traffic with the Egyptian - a bronze medallist at the 2005 Worlds - not scoring again until just before the final bell. DeGale's right hand from an orthodox stance racked up most of the points and he picked his punches throughout very well. The Egyptian, though obviously no mug, increasingly looked to charge his opponent and hoped something would score. DeGale took the second round 3-0 though, interestingly, for the last of the scoring shots the Briton was warned for slapping, revealing the very subjective nature of scoring in amateur boxing. When going ahead 6-3 early in the third session, DeGale visibly loosened up and this relaxation spelled trouble for his opponent. More right hands from an increasingly languid style meant DeGale won the session 4-0, making his lead 9-3 going into the last. DeGale, once he gets ahead, will be a very difficult fighter to beat if he can avoid getting into exchanges. He cantered home - a nice left hook to make it 11-3 being an eye-catching shot - and was a deserving and impressive winner at 13-4. “It was everything for the team for me to win today, that one was for Frankie (Gavin),” said DeGale. “After the draw, which wasn't great for any of us, it is great that my win has lifted the team. “In the last couple of rounds I really got the flow and got the rhythm. There was an excellent atmosphere, but I was so nervous going into the ring. This is the Olympic Games, after all, the greatest show on earth. “Now I want to keep the momentum going. I can't wait for my next fight.” DeGale will face American boxer Shawn Estrada in next weekend's bout whilst light heavyweight Tony Jeffries, will fight Columbian Eleider Alvarez on Thursday 14 August, after receiving a bye from today's first round. Full Results from the Olympics can be found here - http://www.britishamateurboxing.net/results-World.html

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