WBC champ Badou Jack eyes James DeGale, IBF belt

As is usually the case with boxing champions, there’s a desire to have all four title belts that the sanctioning bodies hand out — for a fee, of course.

So it’s no surprise that Las Vegas resident Badou Jack, the World Boxing Council super middleweight champion, would like a crack at James DeGale, the International Boxing Federation champ.

Not coincidentally, Showtime has both fighters on the same card today in Washington, D.C.

Jack (20-1, 12 knockouts) meets former world champion Lucian Bute (32-3, 25 KOs), and DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) defends his IBF title against Rogelio Medina (36-6, 30 KOs). Both fights are scheduled for 12 rounds, and the telecast begins at 7 p.m..

“Anything can happen, but I want to fight James DeGale,” said Jack, 32. “Both of us are in our primes. We’re young and confident, and it would be a great fight.

“But first, I have to take care of this former champion. He’s a really good fighter. Some people say it’s a 50-50 fight, so I have to take this very seriously. Both of us can punch, both of us can box. Anything can happen inside of that ring.”

Despite being the WBC champion, Jack, who is promoted by Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s company, said he thinks he’s not respected.

“I love when people doubt me,” he said. “I come back stronger and show people I’m a world-class fighter. I’ve always believed in myself, I’m mentally strong, and I work hard.

“I’m still training and preparing for this fight like I’m the challenger. That’s how I prepare for every fight, and this is no different.”

Both fighters made the 168-pound limit at Friday’s weigh-in — Jack weighed 167.4 and Bute 167.

The fight could be Bute’s final chance to win a world title again. The 36-year-old lost to DeGale on Nov. 28.

“The pressure is not on my shoulders now,” Bute said. “I’m not the champion, I’m the outsider. Badou is the champion, and the pressure is on him. Badou is a world champion, but he has nothing special. He does everything good but not exceptionally. I have more experience, more speed, and I’m a southpaw. The advantage is on my side.”

Contact Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow on Twitter: @stevecarprj