James DeGale admits it’s been a long journey to fight the biggest fight of his life in his own back yard.
If the super-middleweight triumphs on Saturday against unbeaten American Brandon Gonzales, he has the right to face the winner of Carl Froch’s grudge rematch with fierce west London rival George Groves that tops the Wembley bill.
DeGale reckons that from the balcony of Harlesden home he can see the stadium arch under which he faces Gonzales in the IBF eliminator.
And the 2008 Olympic champion was determination itself as he made the short trip to Westfields shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush yesterday.
Even though both parents and sister were looking on, the fighter resisted any temptation to buy them a few early treats after the public workout in front of hundreds of fans - and not a few amazed shoppers.
The one treat he’s promised himself is a private gym, like the one Groves has just acquired in Hammersmith - but it won't be in Brent.
The DeGales have given up hope of getting a suitable premises close to their home, with the 28-year-old owning up to a nomadic existence in his build-up for Saturday.
“’I'm doing a couple of days at Stonebridge Boxing Club,” he said. “I train up in Essex a bit; I’m a bit of traveller at the moment, here and there and everywhere. But I want to get my own gym to be honest, and Brent (council) haven’t been much help, so I’m still in the process of looking.
“But it’s awesome to be here just up the road from where I started. I’m coming home and this is a fantastic opportunity that I'm not going to let go.”
