Classy DeGale beats Bozic
James DeGale (16-1) moved closer to a world super middleweight title fight when Croatia's Stjepan Bozic (26-7) pulled out after four rounds of their contest at Glow, Bluewater in Kent on Saturday evening.
Olympic gold medalist DeGale, 27, retained his WBC silver belt and now wants a bout with IBF champion Carl Froch.
"I'm boxing for the big fights, I love the big shows," stated DeGale.
"Carl Froch is a fantastic fighter but everyone is making him out to be like the terminator, who can't be beaten. But he has lost before and I think I'm all wrong for him."
DeGale dominated the opening round and landed some solid body shots against former world title challenger Bozic.
In the second, Bozic got better, going forward and trying to land his own. DeGale was forced to work off the ropes and did it effectively.
Bozic was caught by a low left from DeGale, landing just below the belt, but both soon ignited in the 3rd with a flurry of action. First DeGale showed his speed to land several body blows, but Bozic hit back on the counter to spark the Bluewater crowd into life.
DeGale landed another left shy of the belt which further hurt Bozic - this time the veteran did take some much needed respite to compose himself as the referee advised the Londonder to keep his hands up.
DeGale then finished the 4th in style with a powerful left-right combo.
The Croat had a cut and some swelling above his right eye by this stage and his corner decided to spare him from further punishment rather then sent him out for the 5th.
"He could not take it anymore," said DeGale. "I have boxed my last four fights with a knee injury but my knee is perfect now. It was not a vintage performance but it was nice and I'm pleased."
While a fight with Froch is unlikely to happen yet as the Nottingham boxer wants to either face Denmark's Mikkel Kessler again or a rematch with American Andre Ward next, DeGale's victory raised the prospect of a rematch with George Groves.
Another option could be to fight the winner of the clash between Australian Sakio Bika and Mexican Marco Antonio Periban, who fight for the vacant WBC title on June 22.
On the undercard, Chris Eubank Jr (10-0) scored a technical knockout of Tyan Booth (11-10-2) in the 8th round.
Hughie Fury (5-0) made very short work of Czech veteran Ladislav Kovarik (10-15) dropping him twice en route to a TKO in the first round.
And Kid Galahad (14-0) stopped Isaac Nettey (21-9-1) in the 5th round. The Sheffield fighter put his opponent down in the 4th before sealing the win in the next round.